Research Specialist I, In Vivo Two-Photon Imaging- Sternson Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Collaborative lab environment

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute seeks a Research Specialist to lead in vivo two-photon imaging and CaRMA imaging methods in the Sternson Lab at UC San Diego. You will own imaging data collection, analysis, and method development, collaborating with neuroscience researchers across projects.

The role emphasizes technical excellence, independence, and mentorship, with a focus on delivering robust neural imaging data and contributing to publications and scientific discovery.

Qualifications

• The candidate has substantial hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon imaging in the mouse brain.
• Experience with surgical preparations for chronic mouse brain imaging.
• Strong ability to analyze calcium-imaging or related neural imaging datasets and derive quantitative insights.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and visualization.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills and independent initiative in imaging method development.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neural population activity in behaving mice.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot imaging methods for CaRMA imaging to ensure high-quality data.
• Take ownership of two-photon imaging data analysis, including registration, motion correction, and signal extraction.
• Integrate imaging data with post hoc molecular information for cell-type mapping.
• Collaborate with lab members to design imaging experiments and train others in imaging methods.
• Lead improvements in microscope performance, hardware, and software with the team.

Skills

Two-photon imaging

Calcium imaging data

Python

MATLAB

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Teaching others

Behavioral neuroscience

Education

PhD preferred

Tools

GRIN-lens

Cranial windows

Imaging hardware/software

Job description

Primary Work Address: Leichtag Biomedical Research Building, LaJolla, CA, 92093-0646

About the role:

The Sternson Lab at the University of California, San Diegoinvestigates how neural circuits control appetite and motivatedbehavior. A major focus of the laboratory is the development of CaRMA imaging, an experimental framework that linkslarge-scale measurements of neural activity in behaving animals topost hoc molecular identification of the same recorded neurons. Weuse advanced in vivo two-photon calcium imaging together withspatial transcriptomic and circuit-mapping approaches to determinehow molecularly defined neural populations control food seeking,consumption, and satiety. More information can be found athttps://sternsonlab.com.

The Sternson Lab is seeking a Research Specialist with substantialexpertise in in vivo two-photon imaging of the mouse brain. This person will serve as the lab’s primary technical andscientific resource for in vivo two-photon imaging and will takeprimary responsibility for the imaging component of CaRMAimaging.

The position combines four closely linked responsibilities: performing in vivo calcium-imaging experiments, developing andoptimizing methods for imaging neural activity in behaving mice, taking substantial ownership of imaging-data analysis, and enablingother researchers in the lab to successfully apply two-photonimaging in their experiments.

The Research Specialist will work across the full imaging workflow,from surgical preparation and data acquisition through imageprocessing, quantitative analysis, and alignment of functionalimaging data with post hoc molecular information. A major part ofthe role is method development: identifying technical limitations,troubleshooting experiments, improving imaging quality andstability, and establishing robust approaches that can be usedacross projects.

This is a highly collaborative position. The Research Specialistwill work closely with lab members to design imaging experiments,train researchers in imaging and analysis methods, and provideongoing technical support as two-photon imaging is incorporatedinto diverse studies of neural circuit function.

We are looking for an experienced, technically creative scientistwho enjoys solving experimental problems, developing new methods,analyzing complex datasets, and helping others use advanced imagingapproaches effectively.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive healthand welfare benefits.
• Successful projects in which the candidate participates maylead to authorship on scientific publications.

• One-on-one mentorship.
• A vibrant and inclusive cultural environment.
• Cutting-edge research at the interface between neuroscience andphysiology.
• Opportunity for broad interactions with other labs and thescientific community.

What you’ll do:

• Perform in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neural populationactivity in behaving mice.
• Perform and optimize surgical preparations required for chronicimaging, including cranial windows, headplates, and GRIN-lensimplantation as appropriate.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot in vivo imaging methods for CaRMA imaging, with an emphasis on reliable high-quality dataacquisition, imaging stability, and reproducibility.
• Take substantial ownership of two-photon imaging data analysis,including image registration, motion correction, segmentation andsignal extraction, quality control, longitudinal tracking whereappropriate, and quantitative analysis of neural populationdynamics.
• Help align functional imaging data with post hoc molecular andcell-type information generated through CaRMA imaging.
• Work with lab members to design and implement two-photonimaging approaches that address their scientific questions.
• Train and support other researchers in surgical preparation,microscope operation, experimental design, data acquisition,analysis, and best practices for in vivo two-photon imaging.
• Take primary technical responsibility for the lab’s in vivotwo-photon imaging capabilities, including microscope performance,troubleshooting, and implementation of improvements to opticalsystems, acquisition hardware, and software in collaboration withlab members, collaborators, and vendors.
• Integrate two-photon imaging with behavioral-control andphysiological measurement systems and contribute to experimentaldesign, interpretation, presentations, and scientificpublications.

What you bring:

• Substantial hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon imagingin the mouse brain and a demonstrated ability to obtainreproducible, high-quality imaging data.
• Experience with surgical preparations for chronic mouse brainimaging, including cranial windows and/or GRIN-lensapproaches.
• Strong experience analyzing calcium-imaging or related neuralimaging datasets, with the ability to take substantial ownership ofanalysis from raw data through quantitative interpretation.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or a relatedenvironment.
• Strong experimental troubleshooting skills and demonstratedinterest in developing and improving in vivo imaging methods.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of an imagingplatform while collaborating closely with researchers acrossmultiple projects.
• Ability and interest in teaching others and helping researcherssuccessfully implement two-photon imaging in theirexperiments.
• Experience with behavioral neuroscience, opticalinstrumentation, microscope hardware/software, or integration ofimaging with behavioral-control systems is desirable.
• Advanced degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedicalengineering, physics, or a related field, or an equivalentcombination of education and research experience. PhD preferred butnot required; relevant hands-on experience is especiallyimportant.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extendedperiods of time; reaching and grappling by extending hand(s) orarm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for exampleusing a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to moveabout workspace. The position requires mobility, including theability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as alaptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure tomalodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxicchemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances orother hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essentialduties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests forreasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individualbasis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties,responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed asan exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word“may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described aboveare “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americaswith Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective inmany ways for their contributions to our mission, includingcompetitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans,time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visitour Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Hiring Pay Range

$75,200.00 - $94,000.00

Pay Type:

Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time ofposting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’squalifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

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