The Molecular Psychiatry Program is seeking a Research Technologist to perform routine tests in a research laboratory, contribute to general laboratory maintenance, and maintain equipment and supplies. This position provides opportunities to learn cutting-edge skills and concepts. The focus of the project will include how genetic and environmental factors, including viral infection, alter neuronal function and connectivity in the brain, including the dissection of the mechanisms from the cellular level to circuitry and behavior and the utilization of preclinical behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychopharmacology, and molecular neurobiology.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Design and perform experiments under supervision.
Responsible for mouse colony management, genotyping, and PCR.
Utilize in vivo models in experiments. Following experimental protocols and in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines, monitor animals and maintain health records. Sacrifice and dissect animal remain as required. Prepare tissue for study utilizing histochemical techniques.
Follow established procedures or protocols and utilize aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include basic tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, assays, basic molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques.
Operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, scintillation counter, spectrophotometer, light microscope, and/or utilizes laminar flow hood.
Operate lab computers for data entry and maintain accurate data records.
Assist with seminar preparations and other laboratory responsibilities.
Act in accordance with established policies and procedures, monitor inventory levels, order materials and supplies, and count orders upon receipt.
Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment, e.g. calibrating, alignment.
Complete annual university biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training, as appropriate.
Use sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
Use universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred.


Preferred Qualifications
Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred.
Experience in molecular biology and rodent husbandry/handling, brain histology, rodent behavioral analysis, bioinformatic analysis, and programming/engineering skills are preferred.
Working knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines achieved through undergraduate studies and laboratory experience gained through coursework: neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physics, virology, microbiology and/or genetics.
Additional relevant laboratory experience acquired through extracurricular activities or summer employment is very desirable.