Research Assistant II

Job Title: Research Assistant II

Grade: 10

Salary: $43,700 – $52,101

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a full-time Research Assistant II position in our neuroscience laboratory, where they will provide research support for several projects focused on understanding the circuit neurobiology of learning and flexible behavior in mice using tools such as fiber photometry recording, optogenetic manipulations, and advanced microscopy for anatomic/histologic analysis. The candidate will work closely with division members, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members.

The Research Assistant must be highly organized, detail‑focused, and results‑driven, possess exceptional communication skills, and work effectively with a diverse group of researchers. The candidate must be capable of working with minimal supervision and thoroughly document and communicate daily activities and experiments.

• Conduct mouse colony maintenance, including breeding, drug administration, and postsurgical care.
• Independently execute behavioral assays of mouse behavior, including motor function, attention and memory, anxiety and fear, and motivation.
• Perform stereotaxic surgical procedures on mice.
• Process brain tissue for immunohistochemical analysis.
• Acquire, process, and quantify images obtained by microscopy.
• Analyze data using statistical techniques.
• Keep detailed records and reports and discuss progress of work regularly with project supervisor and Principal Investigators.

• BS/BA or equivalent degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field.
• At least 6 months of experience handling laboratory mice.
• At least 1 year of experience using standard graphing software and the Microsoft Office suite.

• Experience in conducting mouse behavioral tests.
• Experience in circuit‑based analysis of behavior using stereotaxic surgeries, viral expression of proteins of interest, behavioral analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Familiarity with Graph Pad Prism, MATLAB, and/or MedPC.

1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032

Excellent Benefits Package. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.