Research Assistant | Field Research Center, Millbrook, NY

Organization Overview

Speech and language are quintessential human traits. Yet remarkably, humans share many behavioral, neuroanatomical, and genetic similarities with other distantly related vocal learning species, like songbirds and cetaceans. In the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, we are investigating the evolutionary, developmental, and functional origins of these similarities at the level of neural circuits using a variety of model organisms and experimental approaches.

Situated on 1,200 acres in Dutchess County, New York, about 80 miles north of the Rockefeller University campus, the Center for Field Research in Ethology and Ecology provides a setting for studying various organisms living under natural or semi natural conditions. The center has facilities for breeding and keeping animals indoors so that field and laboratory observations can be conducted in parallel.

It currently supports a breeding program for the development of transgenic songbirds. Past research has covered diverse topics, such as the echolocation in bats, incidence of stress in natural populations of animals, perceptual cues used during nocturnal migration, biology of vocal learning in birds, and production of replacement brain cells in adult free-ranging animals. Equipment and facilities are available for descriptive and analytical research under both field and laboratory conditions.

• Performing basic molecular biology, cell culture, and embryo culture experiments
• Remaining organized, have good communication, and keep clear & accurate records
• Maintaining a clean and well-organized lab space
• Participating in weekly lab meetings and twice-monthly small group meetings
• Performing related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 4 semesters of prior research experience (Summer research internships may count as a semester)
• Must be willing to work with live animal models

Although experience with any of the following is not required, a strong candidate will have experience with 2-3 of the following (all will be considered equally): animal surgery, histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, coding, image analysis, and cell culture techniques.

Compensation Range:
Min USD $50,000.00/Yr.

Compensation Range:
Max USD $55,000.00/Yr.