Research Associate III, Brain Tissue Cryopreservation and Functional Recovery – Brain Health

We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate III to support an innovative effort to develop new approaches for human brain tissue preservation, including cryopreservation methods that preserve functional properties. The successful candidate will contribute to brain sample curation, tissue slicing, patch‑clamp/Patch‑seq electrophysiology, imaging, and related data analysis. The ideal candidate will bring strong problem‑solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively with key stakeholders.

* This role is contingent upon receipt of a federally funded grant*

• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of advanced brain tissue preservation methods, including vitrification and recovery
• Prepare acute brain slices from mouse, macaque, and human brain specimens and prepare and maintain organotypic slice cultures
• Perform patch‑clamp and Patch‑seq electrophysiology experiments in brain slice preparations
• Collect epifluorescence and confocal microscopy images
• Contribute to data analysis using tools such as ImageJ, Excel, R, or Python, and present findings to the team
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and accurate experimental records and high standards of data integration and management
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and the publication of experimental results in peer‑reviewed neuroscience journals

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 neuroscience, biology, or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a laboratory or research environment
• Experience with brain slice patch‑clamp electrophysiology
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience, with 4–8 years of relevant experience preferred
• Programming experience, particularly in Python or R, is highly desirable
• Experience with histology and neuroanatomy is preferred
• Highly motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of independence
• Experience working in a milestone‑driven, collaborative research environment is preferred
• Experience with mammalian brain anatomy and standard histology techniques
• Experience with single‑cell genomics techniques, such as Patch‑seq, single‑cell RNA‑seq, and/or multi‑omic approaches
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory environment - possible exposure to chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
• Possible exposure to Bio Safety Level 2 organisms and recombinant viruses
  
  Strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, plasma, nucleic acids, and brain tissue

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

• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Push/pull a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching, sitting

• Currently working onsite and expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location is 615 Westlake Ave.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required

• 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 health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.

• Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas.
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