NAPE Research Technologist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Stuber Lab in the Center for the Study of the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion Research Lab (NAPE) is hiring a Research Technologist I to assist with research into activity patterns of dopaminergic striatal neuronal circuits using genetically modified mice. The role includes optimizing and benchmarking biological sensors in vivo and supporting laboratory research, mouse colony management, and daily lab operations. The position reports to the Principal Investigator. The Stuber Lab is associated with the Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Pharmacology at the University of Washington’s Health Sciences Building. Its collaborative research aims to delineate neural circuits involved in neuropsychiatric disorders, including addiction, maladaptive eating behaviors, and anxiety, and to determine how neural circuit elements regulate motivated behavioral states. The lab uses in vivo fiber photometry, 2-photon imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations, and measurements of naturalistic behavior. This is a regular, 100% FTE position on first shift. The annual pay range is $45,144 to $53,148. The position is represented by SEIU Local 925 Research Tech. Benefits information is available through the University of Washington’s staff benefits site.

Requirements

Two years of experience as a Laboratory Technician II or equivalent, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of science or technology. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications where permitted.
Experience with mouse care, including handling and husbandry, and familiarity with animal use policies.
Experience administering euthanasia, performing perfusion, and sacrificing rodents.
Experience with mouse colony management, including breeding and genotyping.
Experience with histology, including perfusion, sectioning with a vibratome or cryostat, immunostaining or in situ hybridization, image acquisition, and data analysis.
Experience handling chemicals.
Strong PC skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Excellent time-management and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with scientific software, including ImageJ, Olympus CellSens, HALO, or Zen for image analysis.
Experience with CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop for data visualization.
Experience writing code in Python or R.
Experience with animal surgery and behavioral experiments.

Responsibilities

Prepare shared stock solutions, such as PBS and 4% paraformaldehyde.
Conduct histology experiments, including mouse perfusion, brain sectioning, immunostaining, in situ hybridization, microscopy imaging, and analysis.
Perform mouse behavioral studies and surgery under supervisor instruction.
Compile data, present it to the supervisor, and schedule the next experiment.
Maintain compliance with UW animal care policies, monitor animal health, communicate with veterinary staff, and take appropriate action when concerns arise.
Develop and implement breeding strategies with the supervisor, including setting up breeding cages, monitoring mating success, and weaning pups.
Perform mouse genotyping, including ear punching, DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, and image acquisition.
Maintain accurate colony records in mLIMS, manage cage inventory and housing needs, coordinate cage transfers between facilities, and provide project updates to the supervisor.
Support daily laboratory operations and provide administrative assistance to the lab manager as needed.
Maintain laboratory equipment and shared resources, including dishwashing and autoclaving laboratory glassware.
Monitor, inventory, and replenish laboratory supplies.
Assist with onboarding and training undergraduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Support administrative processes, such as submitting packing slips to the finance department.