Research Assistant - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute/Department of Neuroscience

West Virginia University

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Hruska lab at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant. The lab focuses on understanding how molecules regulating synapse formation are linked to neuronal activity and control the maturation and function of excitatory synapses. Their research investigates the molecular nano-architecture of dendritic spine synapses and its role in structural plasticity in health and disease, utilizing state-of-the-art imaging approaches like stimulated-emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy. The goal is to develop new reagents and techniques for imaging living brain to understand how the organization of excitatory synaptic molecules underlies their function, potentially leading to therapies for neurological disorders. The current research involves applying STED nanoscopy with molecular biology, CRISPR approaches, and mouse models to study plasticity of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in physiologically relevant paradigms such as sleep, functional recovery after stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in science (preferably biology, chemistry or biochemistry), with course work in cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, organic and inorganic chemistry, and lab course work in biology and chemistry.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
• Ability to handle live rodents in experimental settings.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience in molecular biology and cloning.
• Confocal/two-photon microscopy familiarity.
• Familiarity with standard computer software such as Word, Excel, CorelDraw and/or Photoshop.
• Knowledge of advanced lab equipment, including centrifuges, and confocal microscopes.
• Knowledge of routine molecular biology, biochemical and imaging approaches.
• Attention to detail and ability to attend to, comprehend and follow verbal instructions and written or published protocols.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for communicating effectively and courteously with PI and lab personnel.
• Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Generating primary cortical cultures from E18 rat embryos strictly following IACUC protocols.
• Transfecting/transducing cortical neuron cultures with construct to manipulate synapse development/function.
• Performing histological tissue processing, including non-survival surgeries for perfusion and fixation sectioning brains tissue, staining the tissue histochemically or immunochemically, mounting sections on glass slides, and keeping a detailed database or logbook of all processed brains.
• Developing new techniques and technologies for use in the lab, including tissue clearing, CRISPR tool development for in vitro and vivo gene editing, optogenetics, and new viral tools, requiring independent literature search and experimentation.
• Performing imaging of brain sections and cultured neurons, including super-resolution and conventional confocal imaging of fixed and living tissue, and keeping all acquired images in an annotated database.
• Using molecular biology techniques to clone new constructs for manipulation of synaptic function and CRISPR tools for gene editing.
• Managing day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including ensuring operation of essential equipment and making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures.
• Acting as liaison between the lab and institution administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, and use of host accounts.
• Actively participating in weekly lab meetings.
• Training new personnel (students, research assistants etc.) on some of these procedures.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks.
• Wellness programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees