Functional Area: Research - Scientific
Department: Picower Institute for Learning & Memory
School Area: Science
Employment Type: Full-Time
Employment Category: Non-Exempt
Visa Sponsorship Available: No

Working at MIT offers opportunities, an environment, a culture – and benefits – that just aren’t found together anywhere else. If you’re curious, motivated, want to be part of a unique community, and help shape the future – then take a look at this opportunity.

RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory-Flavell Lab, to assist with genetics, optogenetics, in vivo imaging, and quantitative behavioral experiments aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate patterned activity that gives rise to complex behaviors. Research will use the model system C. elegans. Responsibilities include assisting in conducting genetic, optogenetic, imaging, and behavioral experiments aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate complex behaviors in the nematode C. elegans; performing experiments under the supervision of experienced lab members; analyzing and interpreting data, often large-scale datasets that require computational approaches, as directed by lab personnel; assisting with lab management and organization, equipment maintenance, and maintaining a safe work environment; and managing lab calendars and strain/plasmid databases.  Will work under the supervision of the principal investigator and postdocs engaged in research. 

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: basic familiarity with molecular biology (plasmid cloning), coding (MATLAB, R, or Python), and experimental design in biology and/or neuroscience; strong oral and written communication skills; and the ability to analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication. Seek a self-motivated and highly-organized individual who can function effectively in a team-oriented environment.  Must be able to balance the demands of an immersive research project with basic lab managerial tasks. Strong quantitative and/or computing skills that might facilitate collaboration with computational neuroscientists preferred. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, biology, computer science, systems biology, or related field is preferred. Job #17193-4 

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.