Fraser Lab Research Technician

About the Job

The Fraser Lab at the University of Minnesota ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is recruiting a full-time research technician to support the lab. As part of the Department of Psychology we are involved in the greater neuroscience research community at the University of Minnesota which provides excellent access to training and professional development. The Fraser Lab is interested in the neurobiological basis of motivated behavior and investigates how defined brain circuits contribute to behavioral regulation.

We use modern neuroscience approaches to record and manipulate neural activity in real-time as rodents perform complex behavioral tasks to relate precise aspects of neural activity to well-defined psychological processes. We regularly use optogenetics, chemo genetics, calcium imaging, biosensors, pharmacology, and immunohistochemistry. Our ultimate goal is to decipher the neural mechanisms regulating behavior and to characterize how these are altered in psychiatric illness, such as addiction, or by differences in lived experience, such as after early life adversity, to potentially identify novel therapeutics.

We seek a team member who can play a lead role in lab operations, collaborate closely with the PI, and engage in team-building and growth.

• Oversee the set-up and maintenance of laboratory equipment to support rodent research; conduct routine quality control audits to ensure equipment is in good working order.
• Order laboratory equipment and supplies; liaise with Psychology accounting staff to arrange for purchase; coordinate delivery and set-up, as needed.
• Independently generate workflows for supply ordering, data management and infrastructure, and standard operating procedures for lab research.
• Independently prepare lab infrastructure and employees for lab safety and animal welfare inspections; conduct routine quality control audits to ensure compliance and safety.
• Independently onboard, train, and supervise undergraduate students in the lab. Ensure lab members adhere to university and federal safety regulations.

• Independently oversee animal husbandry, including breeding and welfare (occasionally requiring work on weekends); maintain lab breeding records.
• Prepare solutions.
• Independently engage in rodent behavioral training.
• Assist with stereotaxic surgeries, necroscopy, brain sectioning, immunohisto-chemistry, and slide preparation and imaging.
• Independently oversee and maintain detailed laboratory records.

• Assist in designing research projects and experiments related to the neurobiological basis of motivation. Independently execute complex, multi-step experiments.
• Maintain detailed records of all experiments and protocols performed, and data, in laboratory notebooks and online databases.
• Organize and interpret experimental results.
• Develop computational skills for analysis and visualization of data.
• Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss progress and pitfalls.
• Review relevant scientific literature and present periodically in meetings or in writing.

• BS/BA in neuroscience, psychology, biological sciences or related field or a combination of education and experience equal to 4 years.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, being detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work and contribute as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work on-site 5 days per week due to essential hands-on work.
• Ability to accommodate a at times flexible work schedule, including some hours on weekends or evenings, as needed.
• Some research experience with rats or mice.

• Prior experience with behavioral or systems neuroscience research.
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB.

$21.00 - $24.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

100% Appointment.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University…