Research Technician - Vecsey Lab

Skidmore • Saratoga Springs, NY

52d • Onsite

About The Position

A 12-month, half-time Research Technician position is available in the lab of Dr. Christopher G. Vecsey within the Neuroscience Program at Skidmore College. This position will combine responsibilities for maintaining the lab and also running and analyzing experiments. Following training, the technician will carry out and analyze the results of behavioral, genetic, electrophysiological, and fluorescent imaging experiments in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and will assist Dr. Vecsey in training undergraduate students in these techniques. The technician will also collaborate with Dr. Vecsey on the conception of experimental plans and on writing the results for publication, and will also assist with maintaining the fly colonies in the lab and ordering and organizing lab supplies/equipment.

Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. in Neuroscience or related field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Psychology)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to learn new techniques through hands-on training and self-motivated learning
• Ability to work independently, in blocks of time that allow for the completion of experiments and other laboratory tasks

Nice To Haves

• Experience using some or all of the techniques involved in the project (fluorescent imaging of live neurons, electrophysiology, Drosophila genetics, statistical analysis of data, computer coding, especially Python and MATLAB, and using Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop and MS Office, especially Excel)
• Interest in staying in the position for two years (possibly for a third, pending reappointment)

Responsibilities

• Maintain the lab
• Run and analyze experiments
• Carry out and analyze the results of behavioral, genetic, electrophysiological, and fluorescent imaging experiments in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
• Assist Dr. Vecsey in training undergraduate students in these techniques
• Collaborate with Dr. Vecsey on the conception of experimental plans and on writing the results for publication
• Assist with maintaining the fly colonies in the lab
• Order and organize lab supplies/equipment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level