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 Staff Scientist 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

• Designs and conducts experiments combining electrophysiology with optogenetic activation or optical imaging (multi-photon fluorescence microscopy) to characterize GEVIs and optogenetic silencers in vitro and in vivo.
• Analyzes electrophysiology and imaging data using commercial software or customized data pipelines.
• Cultures mammalian cells; prepares brain slices and/or dissociated neurons; maintains and troubleshoots the electrophysiological rig and related reagent/tool supply.
• Reviews literature on voltage indicators, optogenetic silencers, and related protein engineering approaches to inform experimental design.
• Communicates research results in group meetings and at national or international conferences.
• Teaches techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab. 
• Characterizes and applies new light-responsive proteins (GEVIs and optogenetic silencers) in vitro and in vivo.
• Contributes to protein engineering efforts to improve sensor/actuator performance.
• Operates and maintains two-photon voltage imaging equipment.
• Contributes to manuscript and grant report preparation.
• Maintains lab notebooks and data records per lab and institutional standards.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience engineering and characterizing genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors; protein engineering and directed mutagenesis; molecular cloning; mammalian cell culture and transfection; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; experience with electrophysiology or two-photon imaging a plus.