Research Assistant I - Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Dr. Eiman Azim

The Research Assistant I position is responsible for assisting the lab manager with mouse colony maintenance in support of the Principal Investigator (PI) and lab research goals. Colony maintenance includes breeding, weaning, handling, and coordinating with lab members with their experimental animal needs. Other duties include assisting with general tissue processing (e.g. perfusions, histology, immunohistochemistry) and making general lab solutions as well as assisting on animal behavior experiments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

50% Mouse colony management

• The research assistant will assist the lab manager with breeding, weaning, and general mouse handling. A major component of mouse colony maintenance will be to coordinate with lab members on their experimental animal needs. Two other crucial components are keeping up-to-date records of all mouse lines and crosses, and sample collection for genotyping. Meticulous record-keeping is an absolute must.

30% Tissue processing/histology

• The research assistant will prepare mouse brains for histology. This will include perfusing, sectioning, and running histology protocols in coordination with lab researchers.

20% Assisting on experiments

• The research assistant will assist with mouse behavior experiments as needed by lab researchers. Vital skills needed will be meticulous record-keeping and handling of mice.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• No professional experience is required with a relevant degree.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience handling mice and managing mouse husbandry
• Demonstrated some wet lab experience
• Demonstrated tissue processing, histology, and microscopy experience

EDUCATION

Required:

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  Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. Bachelor's degrees in a different discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role will be considered in lieu.

  
  

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility.
• Ability to learn and carry out new procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to follow verbal and written protocols, including follow-up on previously begun procedures.
• Highly organized and meticulous with note-taking and record-keeping.
• Proficiency with common office software applications (Microsoft Office, Google Drive).
• Applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in neuroscience.

Preferred:

• Prior experience with stereotaxic surgery on mice and/or histology procedures is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability with fine dexterous tasks, such as dissections, thread work, and soldering small components.

The salary range for this position is $18.30 - $23.92 hourly.

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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position requires constant adjusting focus, seeing, sitting, touching/feeling, exposure to animals and potential allergens, as well as working inside.