JOB SUMMARY/BASIC FUNCTION:

To perform or assist in performing multi-task technical work to conduct basic molecular biology lab techniques, sampling, monitoring, and/or data collection activities and perform related work.

This position is LIMITED-SERVICE. The length of a limited-service appointment is determined by the availability of funds such as grants and/or timeframes such as pilot projects or program termination. Appointments to a limited-service position have permanent classified status (with limited layoff rights) after successful completion of entrance probation and shall receive, no later than the date of hire, a written agreement describing the non-career nature of the job and the duration of employment. Updated agreements are required every two (2) years.

Applies basic skills while developing some specialized skills in procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment appropriate to area of specialization; performs routine and/or repetitive tasks; limited decision making required; generally works under close supervision; has no or limited experience; work is performed from within specific limits of established procedures and/or defined instructions.

- Incumbent will be part of a neuroscience research laboratory focused on neural circuitry and neurochemistry underlying motivated behavior, decision making, and mental illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

The Research Technician 1 works under direct supervision performing moderately complex technical work.
95% of the time the Research Technician 1 will:
Mouse colony management; including husbandry, breeding, weaning, genotyping, surgical procedures, injections, and euthanasia.
Lab management; including maintaining stocks of essential supplies and reagents, purchasing lab supplies, and ensuring lab is clean/organized and lab equipment is running efficiently. Maintaining spreadsheet logs for lab supplies and reagents. Writing and maintaining protocols for lab member usage.
Basic lab chemicals preparation; buffers, fixative solutions, antibodies.
Behavioral suite management: Assist building behavioral testing and recording devices.
Supporting new lab member onboarding.
As required, incumbent will also assist in performing techniques that include mouse brain surgeries, behavioral training and analyses, in vivo recordings, optogenetics and pharmacological manipulations, molecular biology, histology, and programming behavioral tasks and data analysis code.

5% Perform other duties as assigned.

-Theoretical knowledge in neuroscience (or related), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong organizational skills, combined with ability to prepare and maintain clear and accurate laboratory records, files and notebooks. Proven ability to read basic graphs and interpret and analyze data.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Possess skills of tact, poise, diplomacy, confidentiality and flexibility in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel and other laboratories. Ability and willingness to work in conjunction with principles of community with other lab personnel/staff, faculty and students.
- Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC guidelines.
- Solid computer skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email system, and a variety of web-based programs. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain databases, perform standard computer tasks, learn new programs/applications with minimal direction. Ability to update/maintain technology skills with relevant computer software.
-Proven ability to work collaboratively on a research project and learn new experimental methods as required.

Some knowledge of: scientific methods.

Experience: data collection and compilation; in database manipulation; researching using various sources.

Preferred Qualifications:

Cover letter and resume.

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