Research Laboratory Technician - Neuroscience Laboratory

About the role

The research lab technician will provide critical support for ongoing projects in a neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of Professor Daniel Polley PhD, Director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Kameron Clayton PhD, and Anna Chambers PhD. Ongoing projects seek to understand how adult brain plasticity is both a source and solution for common hearing disorders.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
• Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
• Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
• Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study required.
• Experience: Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment, 1-2 years preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.

Additional Job Details

The research lab technician will learn new concepts in neuroscience, otolaryngology, and data analysis. This opportunity is ideally suited to recent college graduates with a degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field who are considering an advanced degree in science or medicine. Applicants able to commit to the position for two years are especially encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

• Support acquisition of in vivo measurements of brain activity via 2-photon or fiber-based calcium imaging.
• Support acquisition of in vivo electrophysiological recordings.
• Auxiliary in histological processing of brain tissue, obtaining high-resolution images with confocal or epifluorescence microscopes, and quantifying fluorescent protein expression with software analysis packages.
• Assist in surgery and the care of animals.
• Auxiliary in behavioral testing and analysis of behavioral data.
• Auxiliary in husbandry and genotyping of the mouse colony.
• Auxiliary in data analysis using custom scripts written in MATLAB.
• Present project updates during scheduled lab meetings.
• Support lab operations by ordering supplies and communicating with vendors.
• Attend and present during educational programs, seminars, and/or conferences.
• Perform other laboratory-related functions as required or directed.