Associate Scientist or Scientist in 2-Photon Imaging in Schizophrenia Models

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital•Memphis, TN

22h

About The Position

An Associate Scientist or Scientist position is available for a highly motivated individual interested in transitioning from a postdoctoral position to a more stable staff scientist position. The successful candidate will lead an independent research project dedicated to identifying abnormal neuronal circuits in mouse and/or rat models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes, 2 rare conditions that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia. The successful candidate will operate a 2-photon mesoscope (Thorlabs) designed for imaging large auditory cortical areas, enabling the recording of activity from several thousand neurons simultaneously in awake, head-fixed mouse and rat models of schizophrenia risk. Preference will be given to applicants with Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, who have a strong background in 2-photon imaging of head-fixed animals, cranial window surgeries, in vivo stereotaxic-guided injections of viruses, experience analyzing time-series data, preferably from neuroimaging or behavioral studies, and strong communication skills. Additional expertise in computational neuroscience and data analysis, particularly using machine learning approaches, is highly desirable. The laboratory is equipped with 2 dedicated 2-photon mesoscopes (Thorlabs), Mini-2p (Thorlabs), and Inscopix miniature microscopes for imaging large cortical areas and subcortical structures at cellular and subcellular resolution in awake animals (Chun et al, Science 2014; Blundon et. al. Science 2017; Davenport et al., Cell 2022; Bayazitov et al., Cell Reports 2024). The candidate will also benefit from an outstanding, highly collaborative work environment in which a diverse team of 15 researchers is focusing efforts toward understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior at the levels of neural circuits and individual neurons, synapses, and molecules. The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including an integrated support structure for testing rodent behavior, producing genetically engineered animal models and 3-dimensional human brain organoids, in vivo and ex vivo imaging of cells, advanced image processing and analysis, single-cell profiling, and bioinformatics. In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities support the laboratory by providing expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required
Scientist Minimum Experience: Ten (10) years relevant work experience is required
Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree
Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD
Associate Scientist Minimum Experience: 7 + years of research experience is required
5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree
2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD
Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred
Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred
Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred
Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to applicants with Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, who have a strong background in 2-photon imaging of head-fixed animals, cranial window surgeries, in vivo stereotaxic-guided injections of viruses, experience analyzing time-series data, preferably from neuroimaging or behavioral studies, and strong communication skills.
Additional expertise in computational neuroscience and data analysis, particularly using machine learning approaches, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Coordinates multiple aspects of research projects and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing various laboratory techniques, and determines whether additional or other tools or methods are required
Provides input regarding research protocols and experiments.
Sets up protocols and assists in developing new laboratory techniques as required.
Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem.
Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting these experimental results as required.
Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data
May draft sections of research manuscripts.
Provides basic lab operation support to include equipment maintenance and purchasing.
Monitors inventory levels and orders lab supplies as needed.
Performs calibration of instruments and equipment.
Troubleshoots instrument performance and equipment issues.
Instructs other staff in basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
Maintains regular and predictable attendance
Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution