Temporary Nonexempt - Department of Neuroscience

About the role

In this role, you will conduct research related to the development and neuromodulation of spinal locomotor circuits in zebrafish larvae. The position involves anatomical studies, in vivo calcium and voltage imaging, high-speed videography, and extracellular and whole-cell patch recordings. You will also maintain wildtype and transgenic lines of zebrafish in the University of Minnesota Zebrafish Core Facility.

Responsibilities

• Research (70%):
  • Handle, breed, and maintain zebrafish colonies, including behavioral testing.
  • Assist with and eventually independently perform surgery and perfusions on experimental animals.
  • Collect, store, and analyze tissue (PCR, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization).
  • Prepare buffers, reagents, and solutions; test for pH levels.
  • Maintain detailed records of experiments and procedures; perform statistical analyses and interpret data.
• Operations (20%):
  • Maintain laboratory inventory, order supplies, and manage stock.
  • Handle hazardous materials and dispose of waste appropriately.
  • Maintain chemical inventories, Material Data Sheets, and safety files.
  • Adjust, calibrate, and perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment.
  • Attend weekly lab meetings, participate in journal clubs, and report progress to the PI.
  • Assist in writing study protocols, SOPs, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Presenting and Instruction (10%):
  • Present research at national and international meetings (oral and poster formats).
  • Instruct students, fellows, and other personnel in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Requirements

• A Doctorate Degree (PhD, completed within the last 3 years) in neuroscience, physiology, or a relevant scientific field.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of basic biological science principles to assess observations, prepare specimens, and interpret experimental results.
• Sufficient knowledge of zebrafish physiology to induce anesthesia, perform surgeries, and collect tissue samples.
• Certification (or ability to obtain) to perform animal studies and procedures.
• Knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and coding for data analysis and interpretation.
• Skill in operating standard instruments (fluorescence and confocal microscopes, pH meters, electrophysiologic amplifiers).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with zebrafish.
• Rudimentary knowledge of histological preparations (in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry).
• Experience with manuscript and grant writing.

About the Department

The Department of Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field collaborating with chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, physics, and psychology. The department is committed to excellence in research, education, and public service and is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Pay

Pay Range: $16.00 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

Retirement plan options are available for eligible classifications.