Research Associate – Brain Health

We seek an outstanding Research Associate I to join the Brain Health team to conduct investigational studies of the impact of novel interventions on the molecular, cellular and behavioral progression of Huntington’s Disease mouse models and cell culture systems. The specific intervention being tested in this project involves treating mice with virally delivered experimental constructs, to establish the extent to which different versions of these constructs ameliorate Huntington’s Disease relevant phenotypes in live mice and tissues derived from them.

In parallel to these mouse experiments, the candidate will conduct cell culture experiments in immortalized mammalian cell culture to test novel Huntington’s Disease treatment strategies using molecular and microscopic analyses. Training in mouse models and cell culture will be provided, but experience with mouse models, microscopy and cell culture are preferred. The candidate will be detail oriented, capable of rigorously documenting their work, and possess high integrity to ensure data quality.

The candidate must also be a great communicator in both written and spoken communications with the team.

• Help maintain a colony of Huntington’s Disease model mice as part of a small team
• Perform euthanasia and collect tissues from subject mice, including micro-dissected brain regions
• Isolate RNA, DNA and protein from tissues and cells
• Analyze transcript and protein levels using established QRTPCR, western blotting and 96-well plate-based assessments
• Conduct cell culture experiments, including maintaining immortalized mammalian cells in culture, delivering constructs to the cells by transfection, and fixing the cells for analysis
• Examine fixed cells using immunocytochemistry and florescence microscopy
• Maintain precise experimental notes and records

* Note:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics, or related field

• Experience with immortalized mammalian cell culture
• Experience with lab research in neurological or neurogenerative diseases
• Experience with mouse models of disease
• Experience with relevant programming languages including R or Python
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Possible exposure to Bio Safety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections

• Occasional lifting to 15 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment.
• Push/pull up to 15 lbs.
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders

• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

• Occasional travel to other sites to maintain our collaborative network, and to attend face-to-face meetings with our funding agencies

• All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.

• $54,250 - $66,450*

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where…