Senior Lab Research Assistant

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

2d•$38,605 - $48,256•Onsite

About The Position

The Sonoda Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is seeking applications for a full-time Senior Lab Research Assistant. The Sonoda Lab studies information processing and plasticity in the rodent visual system using a combination of optogenetics, electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral assays. The position will play an important role in supporting the launch and day-to-day operation of a new research laboratory. This position will include both general laboratory support and hands-on involvement in research projects examining how visual information is processed by neural circuits in the retina, thalamus, and cortex. This position will provide technical and operational support for establishing and maintaining an active research program in the Department of Biology. The Senior Lab Research Assistant will help ensure that routine laboratory operations and animal colonies run efficiently while also directly contributing to experiments that will increase our understanding of how the brain works. The individual will initially work under close supervision and receive training in laboratory procedures and research techniques. As experience is gained and demonstrate proficiency, they will be expected to work increasingly independently in routine laboratory operations, mouse colony management, and established experimental procedures.

Requirements

Associate's degree required; may accept equivalent combination of experience, education, certification in lieu of degree.
2+ years of lab experience which may include student experience.
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Background in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or related field
Basic laboratory experience, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow established protocols and maintain accurate records.
Comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities and working both independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with rodents, neuroscience techniques, electrophysiology, imaging, behavioral assays, programming, or data analysis would be beneficial but is not required.
Experience with functional measurements of nervous system function (i.e. electrophysiology, imaging, behavior)

Responsibilities

Assist with ordering, inventory, and basic budget tracking
Support mouse colony management
Assist with animal procedures, including microinjections into the mouse eye and brain
Assist with in vivo electrophysiological recordings
Support lab members with data collection, organization, and analysis