Research Technician

Overview:

The Department of Neuroscience is a basic science department that focuses on cutting-edge research in the areas of synapse development and function, sensory systems, and complex behavior, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral neurobiology. The Dr. Emily Newman lab is supported by funding from the federal government as well as university funds. The faculty within the department is also extensively involved with the Graduate School of Biomedical Science Program in Neuroscience as well as teaching within the medical school.

What You'll Do:

In collaboration with Dr. Newman, the candidate will learn to perform fundamental and advanced experimental behavioral neuroscience techniques. The ideal candidate is seeking postbaccalaureate training in systems and behavioral neuroscience approaches prior to applying for graduate programs in related areas of biomedical research. The candidate will conduct social behavioral experiments in mice, maintain a small transgenic rodent colony, order basic laboratory supplies, and track inventory. In addition, the candidate will receive training to conduct experiments, analyze data, interpret results and assist in writing materials for publication and presentation. The candidate is expected to engage as a team member, working in collaboration with graduate and postdoctoral trainees and with other laboratories in the Tufts Department of Neuroscience and across the broader Boston Neuroscience community.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct specialized laboratory experiments using social behavioral models in rodents 55%
• Aid in the maintenance of a small transgenic rodent colony 10%
• Collect and slice tissue and perform floating slice immunohistochemistry and collect associated slide-mounted photomicrographs
• Order supplies and organize inventory
• This description is not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Employee may perform other duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

What We're Looking For:

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through Bachelor’s degree in science and 1-3 years of related laboratory experience, ideally in a behavioral neuroscience setting using rodent models

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data analysis tools (R) and figure preparation
• Handling mice and conducting experimental protocols using social interaction tests
• Cryosectioning and brain tissue processing
• Quantification and analysis of social and aggressive behaviors
• Operant conditioning and fixed-interval behavioral paradigms
• Maintenance of breeding colonies in accordance with IACUC-approved protocols

Salary Range: Minimum $20.50, Midpoint $24.40, Maximum $28.30