RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 1

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Department of Biological Structure currently has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time Research Scientist 1 in the Steinmetz Lab.

The goal of the Steinmetz Lab at the University of Washington is to understand the neural mechanisms underlying perception, cognition, and action. The lab studies how these brain functions are distributed across diverse neural circuits, and how these distributed populations of neurons coordinate their dynamics to generate useful behaviors. Work in the lab specifically involves studying visually-guided behaviors in mice, using techniques such as next-generation Neuropixels electrophysiology, large-scale calcium imaging, systematic optogenetic manipulations, and advanced data analysis and modeling.

This position will specifically work on an NIH-funded project together with the International Brain Laboratory (www.internationalbrainlab.com ). This project specifically seeks to understand how communication between large populations of neurons across the brain depends on internal state, and how changes in communication with internal state give rise to concomitant changes in behavior. These questions will be addressed with new large-scale recordings using Neuropixels 2.0 electrode arrays, among other techniques. The Scientist in this position need not be interested in an academic track, but they will be passionate about experimental neuroscience and interested in working full time performing high quality experiments using the latest tools and techniques.

The Steinmetz Lab and the International Brain Lab are committed to making neuroscience a more open and inclusive field, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals with underrepresented backgrounds.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Scientist 1 position contributes to the overall goals of the research team by performing the following types of tasks:
• Applying standard practices and techniques, but also recognizing discrepancies in results, making adjustments as necessary. This requires an understanding of scientific techniques/methods, the ability to evaluate techniques/methods to determine which are the most appropriate, and the ability to apply such techniques/methods successfully in a laboratory setting.
• Improving practices based on past project experience, to include building upon and expanding existing practices and protocols within the Steinmetz lab.
• Interacting with other team members in a collaborative manner to accomplish lab goals, to include establishing and nurturing productive relationships with coworkers, students, research assistants, technicians, and other individuals supporting the overall efforts of the Steinmetz lab and the International Brain Lab.
• Providing ideas to improve efficiency within the research team.
• Working with care, conscientiousness, and rigor in executing research duties.
• Assisting in preparation of reports, papers, presentations, new proposals, etc., and may collaborate on some; may present papers at scientific meetings.

SPECIFIC LABORATORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Scientist 1 position will perform the following tasks in support of the research goals of the project:
• Large-scale electrophysiological recordings with Neuropixels probes.
• Mouse handling and behavioral training.
• Histological preparations, including perfusions, brain tissue processing, and imaging.
• Viral injections.
• Surgical procedures, including skull implants.
• Assemble and debug experimental apparatus, such as behavioral apparatus, electronic equipment, cameras, etc.
• Training lab members or other labs on techniques for these experiments.
• Assist in the preparation of papers and grant applications.
• Other lab duties as assigned by the PI or PI's delegate.

The incumbent will have the opportunity to learn and perform advanced experimental procedures such as brain clearing, electrophysiology, and/or imaging as well as data science and analysis, according to ability and interest. Training will be provided for the duties listed above for which the incumbent is not already proficient.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 3 months to 1 year of job related experience.
• Knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures in the field of neuroscience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS
• Experience with mouse handling, surgical techniques, experimental neuroscience techniques, especially electrophysiology.
• Positive attitude and willingness to acquire new technical skills and learn on the job.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.