Research Assistant

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary              

The Research Assistant will help with research on circadian rhythms in mice. Our lab is investigating the negative health impact of disrupted sleep schedules, jet lag, and shift work. We are conducting basic research on how light can entrain rhythms, the role of communication from eye to brain and from brain to peripheral organs such as the liver. We recently developed a technique for using bioluminescence to track circadian gene expression and will employ this technique to test hypotheses about circadian rhythms of the liver. New studies will employ stereotaxic surgery to deliver bioluminescent gene reporters to select neural targets. 

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.      

Essential Functions    

Examples of duties:

• Oversee mouse colony maintenance and genotyping and perform health assessments on experimental animals.

• Assist lab members with aseptic survival surgeries and tissue collection. Conduct stereotaxic surgery.

• Aid in processing and cutting formalin-fixed tissue, with NIssl staining.

• Maintain lab inventory and order research supplies, as well as maintain lab equipment

• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and publications on completed research in cooperation with other lab members.

• Managing undergraduate lab assistants with data input and lab maintenance (i.e., dishes, autoclaving, stocking, etc.).

• Actively collaborate and support other team members.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)   

BA/BS in neuroscience, biology, or a related field.

At least 2-3 years relevant lab experience using the techniques or methods required for the position.

Rodent handling experience.

Familiarity with common life sciences laboratory techniques and equipment.

Ability to maintain a well-organized and accurate laboratory notebook.

Demonstrated ability to work well with a team, in addition to being a motivated individual capable of independent problem solving.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications                                            

Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory; Prior experience programming in R. Prior experience with stereotaxic surgery.

Demonstrated ability to maintain a breeding colony of transgenic mice and coordinate genotyping.

Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills.

Enthusiasm and scientific curiosity for circadian rhythms research.

Skills

Exceptional organization and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well with a team as well as independently on their own research project.