The RNA-MIND (RNA Modifications, Intellect, and NeuroDegeneration. PI: Dan Ohtan Wang) Laboratory in the Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to work on projects focused on understanding RNA modification signaling pathways in the nervous system and their function in synaptic, neuronal and behavioral plasticity.
Research in the RNA-MIND laboratory focuses on the study of the neural mechanisms of dynamic RNA regulation and its role in regulating synaptic, neuronal and behavioral plasticity, using behavioral, biochemical, molecular and cell biology, fluorescence imaging, and next-generation sequencing methods. The central goal of the laboratory is to understand the neural mechanisms underlying dynamic RNA modifications upon cognitive development and decline. Research projects rely on genetically engineered mice models, behavioral analysis, molecular dissection, high-throughput sequencing, and cell biological approaches. The hired Research Assistant will receive individual development plans that incorporate the researcher’s career and training goals and lab’s research goals. They will also benefit from the support of established Core Bioinformatics and Sequencing Platforms, Core Technology Platform, and High-Performance Computing facilities.
Principal responsibilities of a Research Assistant include conducting experiments to understand the molecular mechanism of RNA modifications on synapses through a wide range of neurobiological techniques, including establishment of mice models, fluorescence labeling, imaging, super-resolution microscopy, genetic manipulation via CRISPR, in utero electroporation and other molecular manipulation approaches. They are also expected to perform experiments under guidance of senior researchers in the lab that help elucidate the molecular basis of neural network regulation modulated by RNA modifications associated with memory formation, along with the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease onset associated with aging. They should be comfortable with working in the team to contribute to scientific projects in their expertise and providing mentorship to junior lab researchers.