Summary

The Magee Lab at Baylor College of Medicine seeks a Research Technician II to support studies of the synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying learning and memory in mouse cortex and hippocampus. The technician will contribute to experiments examining stabilization of active synapses during memory formation, with responsibilities spanning mouse behavioral training, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations, two-photon imaging, and histology. The role is well suited to a recent graduate seeking immersive research experience prior to graduate or medical school, and reports to the research faculty in the lab.

Job Duties

• Prepares and conducts experiments.
• Trains mice on behavioral tasks.
• Assists with stereotaxic viral injections, two-photon imaging, and optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulations under supervision.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data.
• Organizes behavioral, imaging, and histology data.
• Assists with preliminary analysis and visualization in Python or MATLAB.
• Documents results.
• Maintains detailed electronic lab notebooks per BCM and IACUC standards.
• Applies routine techniques.
• Performs perfusions, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Troubleshoots routine issues.
• Mouse colony support, equipment upkeep, and onboarding assistance for new trainee.
• Daily mouse handling and behavioral training under IACUC protocols.
• operation and routine maintenance of surgical suites and two-photon microscopes. 
• Brain tissue processing through to imaged slides.
• Participation in weekly lab meetings and Center for Learning and Memory seminars.
• Compliance with EHS, biosafety, and animal-use training.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• No experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field. 
• Prior wet-lab and rodent experience preferred; exposure to neuroscience methods (microscopy, behavior, histology, electrophysiology) a plus. 
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB helpful. 
• Meticulous recordkeeping, strong initiative, and comfort handling live mice required.