Research Associate - Electrophysiology

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston seeks an energetic Research Associate to lead projects on light-responsive proteins in vitro and in vivo. You'll work with GEVI reporters and optogenetic silencers, combining electrophysiology with multi-photon imaging to study neuronal activity at millisecond timescales.

The role involves maintaining rigs, preparing brain slices or dissociated neurons, analyzing data, and mentoring junior lab members. A strong background in electrophysiology is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; three years of relevant experience typically as a research assistant or similar.
• Experience performing electrophysiology in dissociated neurons or brain slices.
• Experience dissecting rat cortical/hippocampal neurons and maintaining an electrophysiology rig.

Responsibilities

• Culture mammalian cells and prepare brain slices or dissociated neurons.
• Conduct experiments combining electrophysiology with optogenetic activation or optical imaging.
• Maintain reagents, tools, and an electrophysiology rig; troubleshoot as needed.
• Analyze data with commercial software or custom pipelines; report results.
• Teach techniques and experimental design; present findings at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Electrophysiology

Two-photon imaging

Brain slices

Neuronal culture

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Basic Science or related field

Tools

Electrophysiology rig

Multi-photon fluorescence microscopy

Virus delivery / in utero electroporation (concept)

Job description

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Summary

The St-Pierre lab develops and applies new tools for monitoring and interrogating brain activity with millisecond-timescale temporal resolution. We seek an energetic team member to lead our efforts to characterize and apply new light-responsive proteins in vitro and in vivo. The Research Associate will work on two types of tools: (1) genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), fluorescent biosensors that report voltage as changes in brightness, and (2) optogenetic silencers, light-gated channels that inhibit neuronal firing. Characterization of these tools requires simultaneous electrophysiological recordings and optical excitation/imaging. This position provides exciting opportunities to work with the latest optical technologies and develop new skills in two-photon voltage.

Job Duties

• Culture mammalian cells
• Prepare brain slices, dissociated neurons, or both
• Conduct experiments that combine electrophysiology and either optogenetic activation or optical imaging (multi-photon fluorescence microscopy)
• Maintain reagent and tool supply related to the experiments
• Maintain an electrophysiological rig, and troubleshoot if needed
• Analyze data using commercial software or customized data pipelines
• Teach techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab
• Communicate research results in group meetings, national or international conferences
• Plan, direct and conduct research experiments
• Evaluate and analyze data
• Develop research techniques and perform applications required for specific research projects
• May conduct literature searches and summarize information in an appropriate format for a particular study
• Document results of experiments and report to principal investigators
• May supervise, schedule and coordinate the activities of less experienced research staff
• Perform other job related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Basic Science or a related field. Experience in lieu of degree will not be accepted.
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.

Department Specific Criteria

• Must have experience with performing electrophysiology in dissociated neurons, brain slices or both
• Must have experience with dissecting rat cortical, hippocampal neurons, or both
• Must have experience maintaining an electrophysiology rig

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree
• Ability to express transgenes in neurons of brain slices using viruses and/or in utero electroporation
• Experience with imaging neural activity (e.g. voltage or calcium) in brain slices or in vivo, using 1P and/or 2P imaging

Work Authorization Requirement

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.