Research Assistant II - Auditory Neuroscience

The Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 43,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, ME seeks a Research Assistant II for Auditory Neuroscience to perform microdissection, culture of mouse cochlear tissue, and in vivo survival surgeries. You will conduct ABR tests and image hair cells using fluorescence microscopy, while maintaining meticulous records and aiding data analysis.

The role emphasizes hands-on bench work in a collaborative lab, with up to 1.5–2 years of grant-funded project time and a salary aligned to experience.

Qualifications

• Hands-on bench/lab experience, ideally with animal tissue or small-animal work.
• Good dissection skills and manual dexterity.
• Background in life sciences; auditory/sensory biology experience is a plus.
• Dependable, organized, proactive with minimal supervision.
• Team player who communicates well in a small lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform microdissection and short-term culture of adult mouse cochlear tissue.
• Conduct survival surgeries (inner ear injections, systemic drug delivery).
• Run auditory function tests (ABR) including post-noise exposure.
• Use fluorescence microscopy to assess hair cells and stereocilia.
• Maintain records and assist with data analysis.
• Support general lab operations and other projects as needed.

Skills

Bench/lab experience

Dissection skills

Team player

Education

BS/BA in life sciences

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

ABR equipment

Job description

Research Assistant II - Auditory Neuroscience

The Jackson Laboratory | Bar Harbor, ME | Tarchini Lab

About the Lab and Role

The Tarchini Lab studies how sensory hair cells in the inner ear detect sound and head movement, focusing on how these cells build and maintain their stereociliary bundle, the specialized brush of hair-like protrusions that acts as a motion sensor. This project extends that work in a new, translational direction, testing whether a specific class of compounds can protect hair cells and stereocilia from noise-damage, and ultimately help protect hearing. We are hiring a Research Assistant II to carry out the day-to-day lab work.

What You Will Do

Perform fine microdissection and short-term culture of adult mouse cochlear tissue

Conduct survival surgeries (inner ear injections, systemic drug delivery)

Run auditory function tests (ABR), including on animals following noise exposure

Use fluorescence microscopy to evaluate hair cell and stereocilia condition

Keep organized records and assist with data analysis

Support general lab operations and other ongoing projects as time allows

What We Are Looking For

Prior hands-on bench/lab experience, ideally with animal tissue or small-animal work

Good dissection skills and comfort with fine, precise manual tasks

Background in life sciences (BS/BA) and prior auditory or sensory biology experience is a plus but not required

Dependable and organized, with the ability to take initiative and work with minimal oversight

A team player who communicates well in a small lab setting

Position Details

This position is grant-funded for 1.5-2 years to support a specific pilot project, with the possibility of extension beyond that period depending on future funding and performance during the initial term.

Pay Range: $42,751 - $71,575 per year, depending upon experience.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California, New York, Florida),Japan andChina. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visitwww.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.