Job Description

Department: MED-Neuroscience

Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary

The Pinto Lab studies decision making in mice using a combination of optogenetics, optical imaging techniques and behavioral tasks in virtual reality (www.pintolab.org). We seek a Research Technologist with undergraduate background in Neuroscience or related fields, such as Molecular/Cell Biology, Experimental Psychology, Engineering, Physics or Computer Science. Previous research experience in experimental neuroscience and/or animal behavior, some coursework in Neurobiology and working knowledge of Matlab and/or Python are highly desirable.

The candidate is expected to manage and run a high-throughput virtual reality facility for behavioral training, and additionally may take part in histological and surgical procedures, in vivo optogenetic and optical imaging experiments, mouse colony management and help keep inventory of and order lab supplies.

Standard job descriptions for the position also include: Conducts experimental research lab work and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). May complete mathematical calculations, and/or computer tasks and/or assist in judging validity of data. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.

Specific Responsibilities

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
• Using a fully functioning level of skill, completes the following activities:
• Histology:
• Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining
• Immunohistochemistry
• Microscopy
• Animal:
• Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• Blood collection
• Surgical procedures
• Database management of colony
• Other (please specify):
• Mouse behavioral training
• In vivo microscopy
  

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.
  

Finance

• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Verifies accuracy of invoices.
• Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.
  

Supervises

• Trains students.
  

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
  

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated laboratory experience;
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Manual dexterity.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology or similar
• Previous research experience in an experimental neuroscience laboratory
  

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with behavioral training
• Comfortable handling laboratory animals
• Experience with brain histology
• Experience with in vivo experiments
• Comfortable executing Matlab- and Python-based code

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more. Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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