Research Technician I - Zuker Lab

Primary Work Address: 100 Haven Avenue, New York, NY, 10032

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We currently have an opening for a Research Technician I to join the lab of Dr. Charles Zuker at the Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute at Columbia University. The Zuker Lab is interested in the mechanisms underlying signal processing and information transfer in sensory systems. They use the mammalian taste system to understand how the outside world is represented in the brain to guide actions and behaviors. Taste behaviors are exquisitely modulated by the internal state (e.g. hunger, satiety, emotion, and expectation), thus they provide a powerful model for the dissection of brain circuits integrating the senses with our physiological and emotional states. For more information about the Zuker lab and their research, please visit visit www.zukerlab.com

About the Research Technician I role:
As the Research Technician, you are an organized, responsible, teamwork-oriented individual who can work collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, other technicians, and the lab manager in support of the lab’s research goals. This role will be responsible for performing various behavioral and systems neuroscience techniques and experiments as well as assisting with general laboratory maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated professional looking to stay within the lab for 2-3 years before moving on to their next opportunity or graduate school/medical school.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

• Joining the vibrant Columbia University research community

• Meaningful work in a forward-thinking lab with access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment

• The opportunity to build relationships with other scientists in the fields of neuroscience and physiology

• The opportunity to learn new techniques and expand your knowledge and skills

What you’ll do:

Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Techniques (80%)  

• Perform behavioral, genetic, and physiological experiments with various mouse strains; use antibodies, RNA probes and the techniques of molecular biology to label and isolate genes of interest. You may also assist in the creation and verification of genetically engineered mouse lines.

• Perform stereotaxic manipulations, mouse survival surgery, use various viral and nonviral systems to introduce genes into tissues and neurons, including experiments with chemogenetics and optogenetics.

• Perform single-cell RNA seq experiments and single-cell imaging experiments.

• Tissue processing for histology and quantitation of various markers.

• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs, and reports.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

• Review literature as needed to build essential knowledge of the lab's scientific area of focus.

Lab Support (20%)  

Alongside other lab team members, you will: 

• Assist with mouse husbandry and genotyping, optimizing usage of each line and characterizing lines.

• Oversee day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including such activities as maintaining inventories of chemicals and reagents, ensuring operation of essential equipment, and making sure adequate supplies are available for experimental procedures.

• Train others in performing technical procedures and evaluating experimental results.

• May maintain records of hazardous materials stored in the lab.

• Assist with other support duties relating to lab operations as needed.

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or the biological sciences.
• Previous hands-on experience working as a technician or assistant in a laboratory research environment, both independently and as part of a team.
  • Prior experience with standard biological techniques (immunostaining, in-situ hybridization, PCR, and gel electrophoresis) preferred.
  • Prior experience handling and using rodent models preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to train others in specialized tasks and communicate scientific results.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail. 
• Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries.
• Proficient computer skills (PC and/or Mac, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.) are required. Any proficiency with software applications used for research/recording/analysis or working knowledge in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB would be a plus. 
• Strong enthusiasm to learn new techniques and expand your scientific knowledge.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$18.52 (minimum) - $23.17 (midpoint) - $30.08 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer