Research Pro -Preclinical Research - Department of Neuroscience

About the Job

This position is in a neuroscience research lab studying how information about behaviors is represented in the brain and how brain disorders disrupt information processing, for example brain trauma and neurodegenerative disorders. The studies involve optical recordings of neuronal activity in animals trained to perform behaviors, histological studies of the brain, and quantitative analysis of the data.

The primary responsibility will be conducting optical recordings in mice during behaviors, including handling and daily care of the animals and assisting in training the required tasks and data analysis. Secondary responsibilities include conducting literature searches on the project and assisting in writing reports, papers, and grants. Thirdly, performing histological studies on the brains, including sectioning, staining, imaging, and quantification. Additional responsibilities include keeping accurate records and regulatory compliance.

• 55% Independently prepare and perform optical imaging studies involving animal subjects under the general supervision of senior lab staff. This includes setting up the animals within the experimental apparatus, all aspects of imaging and computerized data acquisition; analyzing and processing experimental data; and troubleshooting when problems arise. Will have the primary responsibility for one specific imaging project and assist on others.
• 25% Responsible for care and handling of the animals and assisting in training the animal subjects to perform various behavioral tasks. The position also includes help with the experimental surgeries and, over time, learning to perform these surgeries independently.
• 10% Responsible for conducting background literature research on relevant topics including current methods and new findings in the field. Help monitor and train undergraduate student workers and assist in writing papers, reports, and grants.
• 5% Perform histological studies of the brains in the different experiments in the labs. Histological studies include sectioning, staining, imaging the sections, and then quantitative analysis of the imaged data.
• 5% Responsible for compliance and regulatory proceedings/policies on the care, handling and use of animals in these studies. Keep detailed records of all experiments and procedures in laboratory notebooks, databases, and spreadsheets.

The Ebner laboratory is interested in how information in the brain is represented spatially and temporally in populations of neurons, during normal behaviors as well as in pathological disorders. This position uses histological approaches, optical imaging, and behavioral techniques to monitor brain activity in rodents, including in mice with neurodegenerative disorders.

For more information about the lab, please visit: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-phd

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in neuroscience, related biological sciences, or biomedical engineering with 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of neuroscience, biological science, or biomedical engineering related education and research experience totaling at least six (6) years.
• Prior experience in working with and training animals to perform behaviors.
• Computing skills, specifically in quantitative and statistical data analysis or analysis programs (e.g. Matlab, R, Python).
• Experience using and programming Arduino devices.
• Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some hours in evenings or weekends, as needed.
• Experience in working independently and possessing problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to rapidly acquire new skills in experimental procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a research team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with optical brain imaging of activity.
• High level of intellectual curiosity about brain function in health and disorders of the nervous system.
• Engineering degree, research experience, or coursework in engineering.
• Prior experience with brain histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry.

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an…