Research Assistant I - O'Neill Lab.

Dartmouth College; Hanover (NH); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Research Assistant to join a dynamic lab focused on neuroscience research. This exciting position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge techniques in a collaborative environment, investigating the neuronal circuits involved in aversive and appetitive experiences in rodents. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have laboratory experience, alongside strong organizational and communication skills. This role not only promises professional growth but also the chance to contribute to impactful research. If you are eager to learn and thrive in a team-oriented setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 2 years lab/research experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rodent experiments and manage lab inventory.
• Analyze data and prepare presentations for research findings.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Laboratory Methods

Behavioral and Neural Recording

Experience with ImageJ

Experience with MATLAB

Experience with Python

Experience with Arduino

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

ImageJ

MATLAB

Python

Arduino

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.

This position is a 12-month term position.

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy: https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Position Information

Posting date: 03/19/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Number: 1129277

Position Title: Research Assistant

Hiring Range: $21.00/hr. - $23.00/hr.

Union Type: Not a Union Position

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Category: Regular Full Time with end date

Scheduled Months per Year: 12

Scheduled Hours per Week: 40

Location of Position: Hanover, NH, Moore Hall, 3 Maynard Street

Remote Work Eligibility: Onsite only

Is this a term position? Yes, 12 months with possible extension.

Is this a grant funded position? Yes

Position Purpose

The O’Neill lab at Dartmouth College’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to assist with the research and operation of the lab. The position will allow the candidate to gain proficiency in a dynamic, collaborative research environment, assisting in investigating the neuronal circuits that process aversive and appetitive experiences in rodents. Ideal start date will be May 2025.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Neuroscience, Psychology, Biological Sciences) by the start date.
• Two years of laboratory/research experience in neuroscience or a related field; undergraduate research experience is sufficient.
• Impeccable organizational skills to manage laboratory inventory and records.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team setting.
• Ability to learn quickly from direct mentoring, observation, and self-reflection.
• Competent in laboratory methods related to behavioral and neural recording in rodents and/or molecular neuroscience.
• Experience with ImageJ, MATLAB, Python, and Arduino; programming experience in any of the above is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in rodent wet labs, rodent handling, and rodent surgery is desirable but not required.
• Prior experience in performing tissue histology and antibody staining is desirable but not required.

Laboratory Responsibilities

• Performs rodent experiments, including but not limited to: stereotaxic surgery, behavioral experiments, recording of neural signals, and tissue processing.
• Constructs electrodes and prepares optical fibers for neural recording and stimulation.
• Processes collected data using established analysis pipelines.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and corrects or recommends solutions to problems associated with methods, procedures, and techniques; or equipment and facilities.
• Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.
• Maintains detailed and accurate laboratory records.
• Collects and analyzes data from performed experiments.
• Prepares graphs and presentations to display analyzed results.

Laboratory Management

• Assists in onboarding and training laboratory personnel.
• Manages stock levels of lab consumables and helps organize lab space.
• Monitors equipment and obtains necessary maintenance and repair.
• Maintains mouse colonies including mating, weaning, and genotyping, while keeping careful records and entering data into spreadsheets.

Records and Protocol Management

• Maintains laboratory records of procedures.
• Applies rigorous data management procedures, such as following naming conventions and backing up acquired data to secure locations.
• Assists in managing lab protocols.

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents

Dartmouth College Office of Human Resources | 7 Lebanon Street Suite 203 | Hanover, NH 03755 | Ph 603.646.3411 | [e-mail]