Research Lab Tech 1 - Neuroscience

POSITION SUMMARY:

The research lab technician will provide critical support for an exciting project in a neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of Assistant Professor Judith Kempfle, MD, for her Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) this will be done with the support of Professor Daniel Polley, PhD, the Director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories. This project seek to identify restorative mechanisms and treatment avenues for sensorineural hearing loss through the combination of cutting-edge anatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral experimental approaches in mice. The research lab technician will work under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and Dr. Polley to accelerate the pace of ongoing project.

The research lab technician will learn new concepts in neuroscience, otolaryngology, and data analysis, with the potential for co-authorship on resulting publications. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a large basic research center embedded in an active clinical setting that will provide career development opportunities for individuals with an interest in science and medicine.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* May be asked to support acquisition of in vivo measurements of brain activity.

* May be asked to support acquisition of in vivo electrophysiological recordings.

* May be asked to assist in histological processing of brain tissue, obtain high resolution images with confocal or epifluorescence microscopes, and quantify fluorescent protein expression with software analysis packages.

* May be asked to assist in surgery and the care of animals.

* May be asked to support behavioral testing and analysis of behavioral data.

* May be asked to support husbandry and genotyping of the mouse colony.

* May be asked to support data analysis using custom scripts written in MATLAB.

* May be asked to present project updates during scheduled lab meetings.

* May be asked to support lab operations by ordering supplies and communicating with vendors.

* May have the chance to attend and present during educational programs, seminars, and/or conferences.

* May be asked to perform other laboratory related functions as required or directed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Job will require performance of tasks that involve exposure to laboratory mice.

Research lab technician will be required to show ability to work independently on some aspects of the project.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires clear vision at 20 inches or less and depth perception. Work requires some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Work requires a bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination or education and experience. Requires application of common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; basic familiarity with MS Windows and computer use for data access and reporting; report hours worked via the semi-automatic time keeping system; deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations; communicate with lab members via impromptu conversations and digital platforms in English; and speak effectively before groups of employees in English. Prior experience in a related research setting is preferred.

Massachusetts Eye and Ear is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.