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 imaging, protein engineering, and synthetic biology. 

Job Duties

• Culture mammalian cells
• 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
• 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 performing electrophysiology in dissociated 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

• Doctoral degree
• 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