Research Support Assistant

Fordham University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Fordham University in New York is seeking a Research Support Assistant to conduct and assist in experiments aimed at understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders using the mouse as a model system.

The lab uses electrophysiology, fiber photometry, optogenetics, quantitative behavioral analysis, and fluorescence microscopy; the position requires a STEM background and an interest in neuroscience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science.
• Minimum six months experience in handling laboratory mice.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on a research project.

Responsibilities

• Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures on mice.
• Executes behavioral assays of mouse behavior, including motor function, motivation, food intake, and drug reward.
• Processing of brain tissue for immunohistochemical analysis.
• Acquires, processes, and performs quantification of images obtained by fluorescence microscopy.
• Analysis of data using statistical techniques and software.
• Performs molecular biology procedures such as nucleic acid extraction, conventional PCR and real-time PCR , expression vector subcloning, Western Blot.
• Prepares buffers and solutions for experiments.
• Assists with ordering of lab supplies, maintain inventory of reagents and supplies.
• Keeps detailed records and report and discuss progress of work regularly with project supervisor and Principal Investigator.
• Facilitates lab compliance with institutional policies focused on lab safety and animal care.

Skills

Independent researcher

MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint)

Data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a biological science

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Photoshop

Matlab

MedPC

Job description

About Fordham

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

Position Details

Position Information

About Fordham

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program ( EAP ); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Title of Position Research Support Assistant

Position Number PN1205

FLSA Exempt

Scheduled Hours Per Week 35

Department Biology

Campus Rose Hill

Work Arrangement Onsite

Hybrid Policy: Please review the Hybrid Policy at www.fordham.edu/hybridpolicy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Support Assistant will conduct and assist in experiments aimed at understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders using the mouse as a model system. The lab uses a variety of experimental approaches, including: electrophysiology, fiber photometry, optogenetics, quantitative behavioral analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. This position requires a STEM background and an interest in neuroscience. We are interested in hiring a proactive individual who is willing to learn new experimental approaches and is eager to support current lab operations. The successful applicant will have opportunities to conduct his/her own experiments and participate in the intellectual environment of the lab and the department. This is a one-year term position.

Essential Functions

• Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures on mice.
• Performs drug administration and postsurgical care.
• Executes behavioral assays of mouse behavior, including motor function, motivation, food intake, and drug reward.
• Processing of brain tissue for immunohistochemical analysis.
• Acquires, processes, and performs quantification of images obtained by fluorescence microscopy.
• Analysis of data using statistical techniques and software.
• Performs molecular biology procedures such as nucleic acid extraction, conventional PCR and real-time PCR , expression vector subcloning, Western Blot.
• Prepares buffers and solutions for experiments.
• Assists with ordering of lab supplies, maintain inventory of reagents and supplies.
• Keeps detailed records and report and discuss progress of work regularly with project supervisor and Principal Investigator.
• Facilitates lab compliance with institutional policies focused on lab safety and animal care.

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities

Not responsible for supervision or oversight of others.

Additional Functions

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Required Qualifications: Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science.
• Minimum six months experience in the handling of laboratory mice.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently on a research project.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Powerpoint..
• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, Photoshop, Matlab and MedPC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mouse behavioral testing.
• Experience in a research lab focused on brain circuit-based analysis of behavior, i.e. stereotaxic surgeries, viral expression of proteins of interest, behavioralanalysis, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy.

Minimum Starting Salary $45,000

Maximum Starting Salary $46,000

Qualifications Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Is this a Union position? No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number A1065P

Number of Vacancies 1

Start Date ASAP

Posting Date 05/26/2026

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.