UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Neurosciences
About The Position
The Staff Scientist I conducts advanced in vivo and ex vivo neuroscience research focused on alcohol-related changes in neural and astrocyte function. This role performs stereotaxic surgeries, patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetic/chemogenetic behavioral studies, and fiber photometry in mouse models. The position is also responsible for analyzing complex datasets using specialized software and preparing publication-quality figures, manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations. In addition, the Staff Scientist I leads and supports laboratory personnel and contributes to scientific planning and data interpretation for ongoing research projects.
Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
- Ability to work overtime as required.
- Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.
Responsibilities
- Perform ex vivo electrophysiology recordings using brain slices prepared from control and alcohol exposed mice. Experiments use patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics to measure alcohol-induced changes in intrinsic excitability, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and plasticity and responsiveness of astrocytes to various modulators.
- Lead laboratory staff in behavioral studies of alcohol drinking in mice expressing chemogenetic and optogenetic constructs. These involve both homecage models of drinking and those using operant self-administration and are combined with fiber photometry recording of the activity of neurons and astrocytes.
- Perform stereotaxic surgeries on mice in preparation for in vivo behavioral and fiber photometry experiments and ex vivo slice electrophysiology experiments. The surgeries include fiber cannula implantation and injection of fluorescent retrobeads and/or viral constructs. This requires both fine-motor skills, knowledge of the anatomy of the mouse nervous system and prior expertise in stereotaxic brain surgery.
- Analyze the behavioral, electrophysiological and photometry data using specialized software (e.g. Med-Associates, Axograph, Synapse, Matlab) and perform statistical analysis using commercially available programs (e.g. Graphpad Prism, SPSS). Prepare summaries of experimental data for discussion at lab meetings with PI and staff.
- Prepare initial versions of manuscripts, abstracts and progress reports that include publication-quality figures, detailed experimental methods and drafts of the introduction, results and discussion sections. Prepare posters for presentation at national and international meetings.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
