Research Technician

Department/Unit:
Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutic

Work Shift:

Day (United States)

Salary Range: $46,215.00 – $60,080.00

The Stephens lab is a behavioral neuroendocrinology lab that examines the interaction of hormones, biological sex, the brain, and behavior. The lab focuses on:

• Brain regulation of puberty onset, adult fertility, and reproductive hormone secretion, comparing males and females
• Critical role of adolescence/puberty in brain development and how life events can permanently alter brain and behavior
• Impact of genetic factors and disruptions during development, including drug exposure, on brain and adult social behavior
• Genetic and neuroanatomical changes during development and long‑term consequences of developmental disruptions

• Perform research experiments involving molecular and physiological analyses of neuroendocrinology and behavior in rodent models with minimal supervision.
• Assist lab members and manage the rodent colony, ensuring compliance with ACUP and IACUC policies.
• Conduct animal duties such as health checks, breeding, handling, blood sample collection, injections, surgical procedures, euthanasia, tissue collection, and execution of rodent studies.
• Execute molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA extractions, genotyping, RT‑PCR, qPCR, cloning, gel running, and transcription reactions.
• Prepare lab solutions and reagents.
• Perform histology techniques: brain and tissue collection, cryostat sectioning, and preparation for microscopy.
• Assist with histological assays (in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry) and microscope analysis.
• Analyze data and help design future experiments.
• Train student researchers, maintain the lab, manage inventory, order supplies, and liaise with other departments.
• Manage laboratory protocols, compliance documents, biohazard waste, and radioactivity compliance.
• Provide flexibility:
  May work nights or weekends and handle radioactive isotopes, recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials, and toxic chemicals.

• Willingness to handle, dissect, and euthanize laboratory rodents.
• Experience or ability to work with radioactive isotopes, recombinant DNA, biohazardous research materials, and toxic chemicals.
• Ability to vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.

Albany Med Health System is an equal‑opportunity employer. This role may require access to sensitive information regulated by HIPAA and New York State statutes. Workers shall exercise a “need‑to‑know” principle, limit disclosure to the minimum necessary, and protect information per company policies.