In Vivo Two-Photon Imaging Specialist

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Inclusive culture

Cutting-edge research

Job summary

The Sternson Lab at UCSD, affiliated with Howard Hughes Medical Institute, seeks a Research Specialist skilled in in vivo two-photon imaging of the mouse brain. You will lead imaging work for CaRMA imaging, develop methods, and enable colleagues to apply two-photon imaging to their experiments.

The role spans surgical preparation, data acquisition, image processing, and quantitative analysis, with emphasis on method development and collaborative support in a dynamic neuroscience environment.

Qualifications

• Substantial hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon imaging in the mouse brain.
• Experience with surgical preparations for chronic imaging, including cranial windows or GRIN-lens approaches.
• Strong ability to analyze calcium-imaging datasets and derive quantitative insights.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis and workflow development.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neural population activity in behaving mice.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot CaRMA imaging and related methods for high-quality data.
• Take ownership of two-photon imaging data analysis, including registration and motion correction.
• Align functional imaging data with post hoc molecular information for CaRMA imaging.
• Collaborate to design imaging experiments and train others in imaging techniques.
• Maintain and improve imaging hardware and software in collaboration with team and vendors.
• Integrate imaging with behavioral-control and physiological measurement systems.
• Contribute to experimental design, interpretation, and scientific publications.

Skills

Two-photon imaging

Surgical prep

Calcium imaging data

Python

MATLAB

Troubleshooting

Teaching

Behavioral neuroscience

Imaging hardware

Data analysis

Education

PhD preferred

Tools

Two-photon microscope

GRIN-lens

Image processing software

Job description

The Sternson Lab at UCSD, affiliated with Howard Hughes Medical Institute, seeks a Research Specialist skilled in in vivo two-photon imaging of the mouse brain. You will lead imaging work for CaRMA imaging, develop methods, and enable colleagues to apply two-photon imaging to their experiments.

The role spans surgical preparation, data acquisition, image processing, and quantitative analysis, with emphasis on method development and collaborative support in a dynamic neuroscience environment.