Research Assistant (Neuromodulation Division)

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to join the Wilke Lab in the Neuromodulation Division. The role focuses on mouse-model neuroscience, including TMS, surgeries, behavioral studies, and histology.

You will help manage data and ensure adherence to lab protocols. Ideal candiate has a life sciences background, 1+ year lab experience, and strong teamwork and data skills; MATLAB experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field or equivalent education/experience.
• Minimum 1 year of related lab experience or training, including part-time/volunteer.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent organizational and data management skills.
• Ability to follow detailed research protocols and perform hands-on techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) experiments.
• Assist with mouse stereotaxic surgeries.
• Conduct mouse behavioral experiments.
• Support mouse breeding colony management.
• Perform mouse perfusions, brain sectioning and histology procedures.
• Conduct epifluorescence and/or confocal microscopy imaging.
• Collect, organize and maintain research data.
• Follow lab protocols and troubleshoot procedures.
• Perform other research duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Data management

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Description

The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is seeking to hire a full-time Research Assistant to join the Wilke Lab within the Neuromodulation Division. The lab uses mouse models to study neural circuits and behavior, employing advanced techniques to measure and manipulate neural activity during goal-directed behavior tasks. Key responsibilities include:

• Perform mouse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) experiments
• Assist with mouse stereotaxic surgeries
• Conduct mouse behavioral experiments
• Supporting mouse breeding colony management
• Perform mouse perfusions, brain sectioning, and histology procedures
• Conduct epifluorescence and/or confocal microscopy imaging
• Collect, organize, and maintain research data
• Follow established lab protocols and assist with troubleshooting experimental procedures
• Perform other research duties as assigned

Salary range: $30.12/hr - $35.92/hr

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 1 year of related laboratory experience or training, at least part time or on a volunteer basis.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment
• Strong organizational and data management skills
• Ability to follow details research protocols and perform hands-on laboratory techniques

Preferred:

• Prior neuroscience research experience
• Experience working with mice
• Experience conducting mouse behavioral experiments
• Strong computer skills, including experience with MATLAB