Research Assistant I

We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible full-time Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini at Harvard Medical School. The Sabatini Lab seeks to understand the mechanisms of synaptic and circuit plasticity that govern learning and development (More information on the lab can be found on their website: https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/). We employ a range of approaches including ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging and behavior to delineate how changes in neural circuits evolve over the course learning and/or lifespan.
In this role, you will work under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow investigating the neural mechanisms for reward-driven behavior over aging with a particular focus on the period of development known as adolescence. Furthermore, we will employ reinforcement learning models and machine learning algorithms to uncover how changes in neural activity drive changes in decision-making. Under direction and supervision of the PI, the candidate will assist with stereotaxic surgeries, awake-behavior in head-restrained and freely moving mice, large-scale electrophysiological experiments, and histology. The best candidates will be comfortable working both in a team setting and independently and have an organized, methodical approach to their work.
Duties will include:
Handle and train mice on decision making tasks;
stereotaxic surgeries for precise delivery of viral vectors;
histology and imaging;
assist with in vivo imaging of neuronal activity;
dissection of neural tissue;
immunohistochemistry, histology, and microscopy on fixed brain tissue;
mouse colony maintenance and husbandry;
general lab support, to include maintenance of general supplies for the laboratory;
data curation and analysis,
and helping to build analysis pipelines for physiology and behavioral data.
As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.
Basic Qualifications:
College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related field.
At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in any STEM-related fields (Ex. Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry).
Experience with animal husbandry and knowledge of basic genetics.
Proficiency with database software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, etc).
Experience with data analysis and programming in MATLAB and/or Python is greatly preferred.
Previous experience with animal behavior will be helpful but is not required.
Excellent communication, organization, and record keeping skills.
Must be a team player able to interact effectively with a large group and work independently.
Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No