Research Assistant - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute/Department of Neuroscien
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
Overview
The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant with the Department of Neuroscience.
Synapses are fundamental building blocks of neural circuits. The mis-regulation of synaptic formation, function and plasticity is associated with numerous disorders and diseases such as addiction, depression, Alzheimer’s disease as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My lab has a long‑standing interest in understanding how molecules that regulate synapse formation are linked to neuronal activity and control the maturation and function of excitatory synapses.
The efforts of the Hruska lab are directed at investigating how the molecular nano-architecture of dendritic spine synapses underlies structural plasticity in health and disease. To do this, we have taken advantage of state-of-the-art imaging approaches such as stimulated-emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy to examine how pre- and post-synaptic molecular nano-organization are linked to one another and to dendritic spine size, a correlate of synaptic strength. Additionally, we perform STED microscopy in living neurons that enables us to monitor how synaptic nano-architecture is dynamically modified after induction of structural plasticity. The goal is to develop new reagents and techniques to extend these approaches to imaging living brain. Understanding how organization of excitatory synaptic molecules underlies their function will shed light on normal brain function and could eventually lead to development of therapies for various neurological disorders.
Currently we are looking at highly motivated individuals that have interest in applying STED nanoscopy in combination with molecular biology, CRISPR approaches and mouse models of disease to understand plasticity of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in physiologically relevant paradigms, such as sleep but also during the functional recovery after stroke and in Alzheimer’s disease.
Responsibilities
Generating primary cortical cultures from E18 rat embryos strictly following IACUC protocols. Transfecting/transducing cortical neuron cultures with constructs to manipulate synapse development/function.
Performing histological tissue processing, which includes non-survival surgeries for perfusion and fixation, sectioning brains, staining tissue histochemically or immunochemically, mounting sections on glass slides, and keeping a detailed database or logbook of all processed brains.
Developing new techniques and technologies for use in the lab, including tissue clearing, CRISPR tool development for in‑vitro and in‑vivo gene editing, optogenetics, and new viral tools. This requires independent literature search and experimentation to arrive at the optimal procedure.
Performing imaging of brain sections and cultured neurons, including super-resolution and conventional confocal imaging of fixed and living tissue, and keeping all acquired images in an annotated database.
Using molecular biology techniques to clone new constructs for manipulation of synaptic function and CRISPR tools for gene editing.
Managing day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including ensuring operation of essential equipment and making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures.
Acting as liaison between the lab and institutional administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, use of host accounts, and related matters.
Actively participating in weekly lab meetings.
Training new personnel (students, research assistants, etc.) on the procedures described, as required.
Pay Grade: 15
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science (preferably biology, chemistry, or biochemistry), with coursework in cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, organic and inorganic chemistry, and lab coursework in biology and chemistry. An advanced degree is a plus but not required.
Minimum of one (1) year experience. This position is particularly well suited for someone who recently obtained their Bachelor’s degree and is interested in moving on to medical or graduate school within 2-3 years.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to handle live rodents in experimental settings.
Experience with mammalian cell culture.
Experience in molecular biology and cloning.
Familiarity with confocal or two-photon microscopy.
Proficiency with standard computer software such as Word, Excel, CorelDraw, and/or Photoshop.
Knowledge of advanced lab equipment, including centrifuges and confocal microscopes.
Knowledge of routine molecular biology, biochemical, and imaging approaches.
Attention to detail and ability to follow verbal instructions and written or published protocols.
Good communication and interpersonal skills for communicating effectively and courteously with PI and lab personnel.
Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.
Benefits
37.5-hour work week.
13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar).
15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave).
18 sick days per year.
Health insurance and other benefits provided by WVU.
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and retiree perks.
Wellness programs.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
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The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant with the Department of Neuroscience.
Synapses are fundamental building blocks of neural circuits. The mis-regulation of synaptic formation, function and plasticity is associated with numerous disorders and diseases such as addiction, depression, Alzheimer’s disease as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My lab has a long‑standing interest in understanding how molecules that regulate synapse formation are linked to neuronal activity and control the maturation and function of excitatory synapses.
The efforts of the Hruska lab are directed at investigating how the molecular nano-architecture of dendritic spine synapses underlies structural plasticity in health and disease. To do this, we have taken advantage of state-of-the-art imaging approaches such as stimulated-emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy to examine how pre- and post-synaptic molecular nano-organization are linked to one another and to dendritic spine size, a correlate of synaptic strength. Additionally, we perform STED microscopy in living neurons that enables us to monitor how synaptic nano-architecture is dynamically modified after induction of structural plasticity. The goal is to develop new reagents and techniques to extend these approaches to imaging living brain. Understanding how organization of excitatory synaptic molecules underlies their function will shed light on normal brain function and could eventually lead to development of therapies for various neurological disorders.
Currently we are looking at highly motivated individuals that have interest in applying STED nanoscopy in combination with molecular biology, CRISPR approaches and mouse models of disease to understand plasticity of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in physiologically relevant paradigms, such as sleep but also during the functional recovery after stroke and in Alzheimer’s disease.
Responsibilities
Generating primary cortical cultures from E18 rat embryos strictly following IACUC protocols. Transfecting/transducing cortical neuron cultures with constructs to manipulate synapse development/function.
Performing histological tissue processing, which includes non-survival surgeries for perfusion and fixation, sectioning brains, staining tissue histochemically or immunochemically, mounting sections on glass slides, and keeping a detailed database or logbook of all processed brains.
Developing new techniques and technologies for use in the lab, including tissue clearing, CRISPR tool development for in‑vitro and in‑vivo gene editing, optogenetics, and new viral tools. This requires independent literature search and experimentation to arrive at the optimal procedure.
Performing imaging of brain sections and cultured neurons, including super-resolution and conventional confocal imaging of fixed and living tissue, and keeping all acquired images in an annotated database.
Using molecular biology techniques to clone new constructs for manipulation of synaptic function and CRISPR tools for gene editing.
Managing day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including ensuring operation of essential equipment and making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures.
Acting as liaison between the lab and institutional administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, use of host accounts, and related matters.
Actively participating in weekly lab meetings.
Training new personnel (students, research assistants, etc.) on the procedures described, as required.
Pay Grade: 15
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science (preferably biology, chemistry, or biochemistry), with coursework in cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, organic and inorganic chemistry, and lab coursework in biology and chemistry. An advanced degree is a plus but not required.
Minimum of one (1) year experience. This position is particularly well suited for someone who recently obtained their Bachelor’s degree and is interested in moving on to medical or graduate school within 2-3 years.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to handle live rodents in experimental settings.
Experience with mammalian cell culture.
Experience in molecular biology and cloning.
Familiarity with confocal or two-photon microscopy.
Proficiency with standard computer software such as Word, Excel, CorelDraw, and/or Photoshop.
Knowledge of advanced lab equipment, including centrifuges and confocal microscopes.
Knowledge of routine molecular biology, biochemical, and imaging approaches.
Attention to detail and ability to follow verbal instructions and written or published protocols.
Good communication and interpersonal skills for communicating effectively and courteously with PI and lab personnel.
Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.
Benefits
37.5-hour work week.
13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar).
15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave).
18 sick days per year.
Health insurance and other benefits provided by WVU.
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and retiree perks.
Wellness programs.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr