Research Support Associate 2, Flavell Lab

MIT • Cambridge, MA

1d

About The Position

RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE 2 , Flavell Lab , Picower Institute for Learning and Memory , to conduct experiments and computational modeling aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate neural activity patterns that gives rise to complex behaviors. Experimental methods include genetics, molecular cloning, optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and quantitative behavioral experiments. Computational modeling approaches include modern machine learning approaches, Bayesian inference, and more. Research will use the model system C. elegans. This role will involve making basic discoveries about how brain circuits are organized, how they function, and how they generate behavior; perform creative and innovative research rather than procedural lab tasks; do experimental work using molecular, genetic, optogenetic, imaging, and behavioral experiments aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate complex behaviors in the nematode C. elegans; computational work using machine learning and/or statistical models to interpret data collected in the lab; participating in both the design and execution of experiments/analyses; assisting in lab management, organization, equipment maintenance, and maintaining a safe work environment; engaging in creative and innovative research in the course of performing this work; contributing to overall research directions and discoveries; and contributing knowledge to the field regarding how neurons and circuits give rise to thoughts and behaviors.

Requirements

• High School diploma
• familiarity with coding (Python or Julia)
• strong debugging skills
• familiarity with version control (Git)
• familiarity with molecular biology and/or systems neuroscience methods (ePhys or calcium imaging, etc)
• superior oral and written communication skills
• ability to balance the demands of an immersive research project with basic lab managerial tasks
• the ability to analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, computer science, math, physics, or related field
• exposure to both biology/neuroscience and computational methods

Responsibilities

• making basic discoveries about how brain circuits are organized, how they function, and how they generate behavior
• perform creative and innovative research rather than procedural lab tasks
• do experimental work using molecular, genetic, optogenetic, imaging, and behavioral experiments aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate complex behaviors in the nematode C. elegans
• computational work using machine learning and/or statistical models to interpret data collected in the lab
• participating in both the design and execution of experiments/analyses
• assisting in lab management, organization, equipment maintenance, and maintaining a safe work environment
• engaging in creative and innovative research in the course of performing this work
• contributing to overall research directions and discoveries
• contributing knowledge to the field regarding how neurons and circuits give rise to thoughts and behaviors

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees