Research Technician I - Zuker Lab

The Zuker Lab is interested in the mechanisms underlying signal processing and information transfer in sensory systems. They use the mammalian taste system and the gut-brain axis to understand how the brain modulates body physiology. Taste behaviors are exquisitely modulated by the internal state (e.g. hunger, satiety, emotion, and expectation), thus they provide a powerful model for the dissection of brain circuits integrating the senses with our physiological and emotional states. Similarly, the gut-brain axis informs the brain of the state of body tissues, organs, and physiology. For more information about the Zuker lab and their research, please visit .

About the Research Technician I role:
This role is responsible for performing various behavioral and systems neuroscience techniques and experiments, and assisting with general laboratory maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated professional looking to stay within the lab at least 2-3 years before moving on to their next opportunity or graduate school/medical school. Strong candidates will be organized, responsible, teamwork-oriented individuals who would enjoy working collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, other technicians, and the lab manager in support of research goals.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

• Meaningful work in a forward-thinking lab with access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment and the chance to build relationships with other scientists in the fields of neuroscience and physiology

• The opportunity to learn new techniques and expand your knowledge and skills

What you'll do:

Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Techniques (80%)

• Perform behavioral, genetic, and physiological experiments with various mouse strains; use antibodies, RNA probes and the techniques of molecular biology to label and isolate genes of interest. May assist in the creation and verification of genetically engineered mouse lines.

• Perform stereotaxic manipulations, mouse survival surgery, use various viral and nonviral systems to introduce genes into tissues and neurons, including experiments with chemogenetics and optogenetics.

• Perform single-cell RNA seq experiments and single-cell imaging experiments.

• Tissue processing for histology, and quantitation of various markers.

• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs, and reports.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

Lab Support (20%)

Alongside other lab team members, you will:

• Assist with mouse husbandry, genotyping, optimizing usage of each line, and characterizing lines.

• Coordinate day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including such activities as maintaining inventories of chemicals and reagents, ensuring operation of essential equipment and making sure adequate supplies are available for experimental procedures.

• Train others in performing technical procedures and evaluating experimental results.

• May maintain records of hazardous materials stored in the lab.

What you bring:

• A bachelor's degree in neuroscience or the biological sciences

• Previous hands-on experience working as a technician or assistant in a laboratory research environment, both independently and as part of a team.

• Prior experience with standard biological techniques (immunostaining, in-situ hybridization, PCR, and gel electrophoresis) preferred.Prior experience handling and using rodent models preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to train others in specialized tasks and communicate scientific results.

• Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail.Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries.

• Proficient computer skills (PC and/or Mac, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.). Any proficiency with software applications used for research/recording/analysis or working knowledge in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB would be a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.