Research Technician
About The Position
The VDJ laboratory at the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, is hiring a Research Technician to study mechanisms of synaptic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The laboratory integrates mouse models and human iPSC-derived neurons and uses techniques in histopathology, microscopy, biochemistry, subcellular proteomics, mouse behavior, viral gene manipulation, and cell biology. The technician will contribute to an independent research project with an established foundation, under the guidance of the principal investigator, and support collaborative lab research and operations. The position offers training in neuroscience and cell biology techniques, personalized mentorship, and opportunities to publish lead-author research articles and potentially transition to a PhD position within the program. The university describes its research environment as small, diverse, and supportive. Compensation is $39,000–$44,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Full-time staff benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short- and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after two years of service. Full-time staff are eligible for three weeks of vacation/personal leave, 15 sick days, nine paid holidays, paid winter break, and two floating holidays. Employment is contingent on satisfactory background-check results.
Requirements
- BA, BS, or MS in neuroscience, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, or biochemical sciences.
- Hands-on research experience in a laboratory setting; graduate coursework does not count toward this experience.
- Experience developing and maintaining cell cultures, including iPSC-derived neurons and primary mouse neurons.
- Proficiency with live-cell imaging, gene-transfer techniques, qPCR, and Western blotting.
- Genuine interest in neuroscience and neurodegeneration, and the willingness, dedication, and perseverance to complete assigned tasks.
- Ability and interest in learning new concepts, understanding scientific literature, mastering new techniques, and learning and contributing to mouse experiments.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills and meticulous record-keeping.
- Strategic thinking, effective performance in a fast-paced environment, excellent time management, scientific rigor, and attention to detail.
- Honesty and integrity in professional interactions and tasks.
- Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.
- Must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience differentiating iPSCs into neurons.
- Strong background in cell and molecular biology, with a proven track record of success in a neuroscience or cell biology research lab.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to an independent research project, under the guidance of the PI, investigating synaptic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
- Assist lab members with mouse breeding, weaning, genotyping, and related record-keeping.
- Oversee lab operations, including safety and compliance, supply management and organization, and maintaining overall lab functionality.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Short-term and long-term disability plans
- Life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- 403(b) retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after two years of service
- Three weeks of vacation/personal leave for full-time staff
- 15 sick days for full-time staff
- Nine paid holidays for full-time staff
- Paid winter break
- Two floating holidays
- Training in neuroscience and cell biology techniques
- Personalized mentorship and professional support
- Opportunity to publish lead-author research articles
- Potential opportunity to transition to a PhD position within the program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
