RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ ENGINEER 3

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The Dembrow Lab has an opening for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3. How do differences in gene expression translate into a neuron’s phenotypic identity? Several emerging lines of evidence suggest that human brain disorders may have cell type-specific etiologies, wherein different classes of neurons make distinct contributions to the pathophysiology of the disease. Examining these questions in primate neurons is important; we and others have demonstrated that some neocortical neuron subtypes express unique complements of ion channels and neuromodulator receptors from their rodent counterparts. In this research project we are test the consequences of this cell type-specific gene expression on the neuronal input-output properties and their modulation in key primate brain regions. We combine patch-clamp recordings, morphological reconstructions, transcriptomic profiling of single human and non-human primate neocortical neurons (“Patch-seq”). Retrograde tracing in non-human primates will be used to identify the long-range axon projection of different cell types.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

Research (60%)
• Collect, analyze, and disseminate the exceptionally rare Patch-seq data of different neuronal types from the primate brain by performing patch-clamp experiments from acute and cultured primate brain slice preparations
• Prepare solutions and make brain slice preparations by preparing ex vivo slices and/or maintaining slices in culture to contribute to histological analyses
• Regularly generate high-quality patch-clamp electrophysiology data from macaque and human brain ex vivo slices
• Perform analysis of patch-seq data

Collaboration and Recordkeeping (40%)
• Interface with the collective research group and contribute to a cohesive and efficient team environment
• Document work and prepare written and oral reports and/or publications with accuracy and reliability; including detailed record keeping in the form of lab notebooks
• Manage and troubleshoot metadata tracking and reporting

REQUIRED
• Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or other related fields
• 1 year of relevant working experience in a laboratory environment
• Experience in analyzing biological data
• Familiarity in working in one or more of the following programming environments: Python, NEURON, Matlab, IgorPro, R
• Familiarity with the patch-clamp physiology technique
• Advanced experience with documentation and preparation of written and oral reports

DESIRED
• PhD degree in Neuroscience, Biology or other related fields
• Experience leading independent laboratory projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in an R&D/pharmaceutical industry setting or advanced training in neurobiology
• Certificate in Python, R or Matlab programming
• Previous experience programming/modelling in NEURON
• 1 – 3 years of patch-clamp experience
• Experience with histological techniques
• Experience preparing ex vivo slices and/or maintain slices in culture
• Proven track record of publications

Application Process:

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.