Research Associate - Electrophysiology

Baylor College of Medicine; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine is looking for a Research Associate - Electrophysiology to develop new tools for monitoring brain activity. The candidate will engage in preparing experiments and analyzing data while working closely with sophisticated technologies.

This role requires a Master's degree in Basic Science and three years of related experience. The position focuses on maintaining equipment and guiding less experienced staff. Onsite work in Houston is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Must have three years of relevant experience as a Research Assistant, Technician or Fellow.
• Experience with performing electrophysiology in dissociated neurons or brain slices is essential.
• Ability to maintain an electrophysiology rig is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare brain slices and conduct electrophysiological experiments.
• Maintain and troubleshoot experimental tools and rigs.
• Analyze data with commercial software.

Skills

Electrophysiology

Optogenetics

Data analysis

Technical teaching

Experience with rat neurons

Education

Master's degree in Basic Science or related field

Tools

Multi-photon fluorescence microscopy

Electrophysiology rig

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate - Electrophysiology

Work Arrangement: Onsite only

Location: Houston, TX

Salary Range: $65,000- $70,000

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Schedule: 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

• 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 troubleshooting 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 performingelectrophysiology indissociated 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

• 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.