Technical Research Assistant I RESAERCH NEUROLOGY

This advertisement is for a new research and administrative support position in the laboratory of Dr. Stelios Smirnakis, Associate Neurologist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the JP Veterans Administration Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The Smirnakis laboratory focuses on the study of neural circuit function in health and disease using a variety of approaches, including mouse experiments with optical (2-photon) imaging methods and classical extracellular electrophysiology methods including patch-clamping. The appointee will help support the functions of the laboratory, including (after appropriate training) experiments using in vivo mouse 2-photon imaging to study how cortical circuits malfunction in autism, stroke or epilepsy.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help administer the laboratory, carrying out general laboratory maintenance, including ordering supplies, preparing solutions and stock reagents.
• Interface with animal protocol committees to manage protocol approvals and meet reporting requirements with the help of the investigators.
• Manage research mouse colonies, including tail harvesting for genotyping.
• Provide experimental support by learning to perform standard 2-photon animal reparation for imaging viral injections for circuit labeling, and/or tissue processing for immunohistochemistry.
• Train new staff in basic laboratory techniques.
• Occasionally other duties may be assigned as needed.
• Depending on level of interest and ability, the appointee could be given the opportunity to develop and carry the primary responsibility for their own independent project.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A BA/BS degree with strong prior experience is required.

Prior research experience or laboratory management experience in a systems neuroscience or molecular biology laboratory is required. Working familiarity with basic laboratory techniques including prior experience with mouse colony management, immunohistochemistry, basic molecular biology techniques is important. Experience with 2-photon imaging and/or in vivo or in vitro patch-clamping is desirable but not essential.

Strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to function well and carry out responsibilities in a collaborative team environment are essential. Basic Computer skills are desirable.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must have a sound understanding and strong working knowledge of basic laboratory practices and procedures.
• Must be able to make independent, effective decisions in appropriate situations.
• Excellent organizational and record keeping skills to ensure smooth functioning of the lab.
• Ability to effectively supervise others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work with attention to detail and punctuality.
• Aptitude for technical problem solving.
• Demonstrate professionalism.
• Sound degree of computer literacy.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for orienting and training new staff members, as well as ensuring current staff members follow laboratory procedures.

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.