Research Assistant - Neuroscience (Armbruster Lab)

Tufts University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University’s Department of Neuroscience seeks a skilled researcher to study astrocyte modulation of extracellular potassium and neurotransmitter dynamics in mouse models. You will perform stereotaxic surgeries, immunolabeling, and advanced imaging, while helping design experiments and analyze data for publication.

The role involves independent work, potential supervision of lab members, and contributing to ongoing studies in epilepsy and neurological disease.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience or
• Master's degree and up to one year laboratory experience or
• 3-5 years related laboratory experience (with Bachelor's) or
• Less than 1 related laboratory experience (with Master's)
• Experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery
• Able to communicate with others effectively

Responsibilities

• Develops and modifies techniques and protocols focusing on astrocytic K+ channels
• Performs stereotactic surgeries, microscopy, and immunolabeling
• Analyzes data, interprets results, and assists in writing for publication
• Supervise or provide direction to others and manage lab operations
• Assist in lab maintenance and ordering

Skills

Stereotaxic rodent surgery

Microscopy

Data analysis

Laboratory management

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Master's degree in science

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Expansion microscopy

Live-cell imaging

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Overview

The Department of Neuroscience is a basic research department focusing on synaptic biology and glia biology. Dr. Armbruster within the Dulla Lab investigates how astrocytes modulate extracellular neurotransmitter and ionic concentrations around synapses in the physiological conditions and with a broad focus on neurological disease and epilepsy. We address this question in mouse models and apply electrophysiological and imaging approaches, together with mouse behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological studies.

What You'll Do

In collaboration with Principal Investigator, develop and modify techniques and protocols and provides input into research design focusing on distribution and function of astrocytic K+ channels to physiological functioning. Works independently performing a wide range of specialized techniques and experiments including stereotactic rodent surgeries, microscopy, and immunolabeling. Analyzes data, interprets results and assists in writing materials for publication and presentation. May supervise or provide work direction to others in the laboratory and helps manage laboratory operations. Will aid in ongoing lab maintenance, ordering, and more.

• Conducts specialized laboratory experiments including stereotactic rodent surgeries, microscopy
• Perform tissue preparation, immunohistochemical tissue labeling, and imaging
• Develops research study design, techniques and protocols in collaboration with Principal Investigator
• Reviews results and suggests modifications to experiments and protocols where necessary
• Oversees collection and data entry of results
• Analyzes and interprets data and drafts results of experiments
• Writes summaries and material for presentation and publication

What We’re Looking For

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's Degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience or
• Master's Degree and up to one year laboratory experience
• 3-5 years related laboratory experience (with Bachelor's) or
• Less than 1 related laboratory experience (with Master's)
• Experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery
• Highly organized with attention to detail/follow-up
• Able to communicate with others effectively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in science
• Experience with immunohistochemical techniques
• Experience with expansion microscopy
• Experience with live-cell imaging
• Experience with confocal microscopy
• Data analysis experience
• Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures, data interpretation and statistical analysis

Pay Range

Minimum $50,500.00, Midpoint $63,200.00, Maximum $75,800.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.