Research Assistant I - Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Dr. Kay Tye

Application Instructions:

Employment History Include your last ten (10) years of employment history, or length of your employment history if less, including all positions (even those that are not relevant to this position) and periods of unemployment. Incomplete information could disqualify you from further consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Assistant I position is responsible for performing various behavioral and systems neuroscience techniques; mouse handling and colony maintenance in support of the Principal Investigator (PI) and lab research goals. Other duties include assisting with general laboratory maintenance, including equipment maintenance, and ordering of supplies, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(50%) Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Techniques

• Mouse husbandry
• Mouse survival surgery
• Rodent behavioral assays
• Optogenetics
• Single-cell resolution calcium imaging
• Tissue processing for histology

(40%) Data Analysis

• Behavioral Scoring
• Neural data processing

(10%) Lab support

• Assist with inventory of lab supplies

• Assist with stock and organize incoming lab supplies

• Assist with preparing standard media and solutions

EXPERIENCE

Required

• No professional experience required with relevant degree

Preferred

• Previous experience as a lab technician or equivalent related experience
• Demonstrated experience with rodent handling and systems neuroscience techniques
• Demonstrated experience with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and stocking supply inventory

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field, or equivalent

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required

• Theoretical and hands on knowledge of systems and behavioral neuroscience techniques
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions
• Ability to learn and carry out new experimental procedures with accuracy and efficiency. Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and/or written protocols, including follow-up on previously begun procedures
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet
• Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities
• Proven ability to work both independently and also as part of a collaborative team
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels

Preferred

• Proficiency with software applications used for research, recording, and analysis, as well as working knowledge in programming languages (MATLAB, python, etc.)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work an adjusted schedule to support research needs.
• Successful completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• Willing to sign a confidentiality agreement

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position requires constant adjusting focus, grasping, handling, hearing, keying, seeing, sitting, talking, analyzing, calculating, communicating, reading, reasoning, writing, and working inside.