Social Science/Humanities Research Associate I

University of Texas at Austin

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The neuroscience laboratory of Dr. Andrew Gaudet in the Department of Psychology (with joint affiliations with Neurology and Neurosurgery) is recruiting a motivated lab technician. Our lab studies mouse models of spinal cord injury, neuroinflammation, and circadian disruption using behavioral, RNA, protein, and cell culture approaches. The technician will assist with ongoing projects, mouse colony care, and new aspects of the lab. Organizational and social skills will be required, as will skills related to biological techniques. Individuals with previous lab experience will be preferred. Our small team is supportive, productive, and positive. We aim to build a strong team that fosters the professional success of all employees and trainees. For information on the Gaudet Lab, please visit https://www.gaudetlab.com/ This is a one-year fixed term position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biochemistry, life sciences, or related fields.
Laboratory experience.
Interest in studying biology of the nervous system.
Ability/interest in using rodent models (mice).
Reliable, resilient, and organized; methodical.
Can work independently or in a team.
Driven to contribute to a developing team.
Proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, and other Office programs.
Research laboratory experience; applicants will also be considered if they have demonstrated hands-on precision work with biological samples, live animals, or clinical/surgical procedures.
Interested and able to learn new techniques.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with one or more of the following skills: immunohistochemistry, rodent brain anatomy, rodent behavioral procedures, confocal microscopy, bright field microscopy, molecular biology.
Proficiency with literature searches and science writing.
Experience handling and caring for rodents.
Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biochemistry, life sciences, or related fields.

Responsibilities

Rodent care and behavior: To perform or assist in managing the mouse colony (genotyping, breeding management, routine weighing and recording animal health, pre- and post-operative care, recording of all experimental procedures, euthanasia when necessary).
To perform or assist with projects related to spinal cord injury, circadian rhythms, anxiety/mood disorders, and metabolism. This includes behavioral testing, building of any needed supplies, entering and analyzing data, and maintaining proper functioning of behavioral testing rooms.
Daily lab management and overseeing experimental procedures: To ensure that the lab is in working order. This includes ordering and inventory of all supplies and chemicals, ensuring proper functioning of equipment, and maintaining a tidy/clean lab.
To oversee proper disposal of chemicals and act as liaison between lab and Environmental Health and Safety.
To ensure current training of all lab personnel.
To maintain records for compliance, protocols, and vendor databases.
To keep all animal protocols current and updated as required.
To manage and oversee experimental timelines for all lab personnel and to ensure accurate and timely recording of experimental procedures in lab notebooks.
To ensure all needed supplies for experiments, including experimental lab space, are available in a timely manner.
The candidate is also expected to participate in regular group meetings and provide updates and progress reports on a weekly basis.
Perform cellular and molecular studies using established techniques: This includes tissue sectioning (cryostat), immunohistochemistry, and image collection and analysis (microscopy).
Other tasks include performing cell culture, qPCR, Western blot, and ELISAs.