Research Technician in Studying Neurodegenerative Disease

In the Beckstead lab, we study the communication between dopamine neurons and other cell types in the context of motivated behavior and dopamine-related diseases. Only after gaining a detailed understanding of how neuron-to-neuron communication occurs, under both normal and pathological conditions, will we be able to target these processes to better treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Further, a better understanding of how single neurons in the brain age will also inform treatment options in the very earliest stages of Parkinson’s disease, before symptoms become debilitating.

The Beckstead Lab is hiring a Laboratory Technician position. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to immunostaining brain sections, making use of genetic lines of neurodegeneration and aging in mice, fluorescent imaging/microscopy with the assistance of the OMRF imaging core, and data analysis of obtained images. In addition, the technician may be assigned to carry out small tasks related to ongoing projects in the Beckstead lab such as assisting in behavioral studies.

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, and Excel are required. Must be organized, follow detailed experimental protocols, keep meticulous records, and meet all deadlines. Professionalism and acceptance of diverse personalities and cultures is required. Additional useful skills include methods and practices typical to neuroscience, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and microscopy. Finally, the candidate must demonstrate ethical behavior at all times and a high level of scientific rigor, must be detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.