Research Associate
We are currently looking for a talented and enthusiastic Research Associate (III) to join the laboratory of Dr. Matthew Dalva at the Thomas Jefferson University Medical School in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Dalva’s laboratory studies the mechanisms of synapse development and function in the brain and spinal cord. The structure of the nervous system varies tremendously across phylogeny; organisms such as the C. elegans function with a few hundred neurons, whereas humans have tens of billions. Yet communication in all neural circuits is controlled by a remarkably similar, highly specialized site of cell-cell contact known as a synapse. The long-range goal of my research is to discover how synapses are formed and lost, and what impact normal morphology and numbers of synapses have on brain function. Currently, my laboratory has a strong interest and background in super-resolution imaging and technology development. We have been using Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) to examine the nanoscale organization of the synapse. We have also developed a number of genetically encoded reporters that enable visualization of tyrosine kinase activity in living cells. Determining how synapses develop and mature will provide insights toward the understanding of neuronal networks and brain function.
Position Summary:
Under limited supervision, the Research Associate is responsible for the collection, classification and filing of scientific data. The Research associate is also responsible for maintaining our mouse colony, preparing solutions, labeling tubes/specimen containers and maintaining laboratory supplies. Duties and/or tasks include but are not limited those listed below:
Key Responsibilities include:
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Responsible for the collection, classification and filing of scientific data
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Conduct animal maintenance, inventory, breeding, anesthesia, euthanizing, and genotyping (PCR and electrophoresis). Help with animal surgery, imaging and harvesting tissue samples.
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Maintain required records, reports and statistics as directed
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Assist research staff in routine tasks relevant to laboratory research projects
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Collect, wash, clean and sterilize used glassware, equipment and supplies using proper sterilization techniques
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Requisition, receive, distribute and maintain supply inventories in laboratories as needed
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Prepare simple stains, solutions, culture media, and may process tissue following established procedures
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Follow established protocols and using specified equipment, collect and deliver material for analysis. Ensure proper labeling and pertinent information
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Perform duties in accordance with instructed methods under the direction of the principal investigator or designee. This position conducts close work with other technicians, students, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scientists and staff members in scientific protocols currently used.
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Good communication skills, patience and good working knowledge of equipment and research aims are a necessity.
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Good reading and comprehension skills are a necessity in understanding scientific articles and journals related to experiments being conducted.
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Attendance and participation at work related seminars and/or meetings are required.
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Perform all duties listed and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.
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Two years-experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.
Interview process:
The interview will consist of two parts: First will be a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Dalva and current laboratory members to evaluate the candidate’s scientific background, and critical thinking and to learn about lab’s projects and expertise. The second part of the interview process will consist of hands on evaluation in several laboratory techniques such as genotyping of mice, PCR, DNA/Protein gel electrophoreses, and familiarity with cloning/cloning software such as Snapgene or DNA strider.
Interested candidates should email letter of interest, current CV and three letters or recommendation to Dr. Dalva: mdalva@tulane.edu
Additional Information
Tulane is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.