Research Pro 1-Preclinical Research - Department of Neuroscience

This position is in a neuroscience research lab studying how information about behaviors is represented in the brain and how brain disorders disrupt information processing, for example brain trauma and neurodegenerative disorders. The studies involve optical recordings of neuronal activity in animals trained to perform behaviors, histological studies of the brain, and quantitative analysis of the data.
The primary responsibility will be conducting optical recordings in mice during behaviors that includes handling and daily care of the animals and assisting in training in the required tasks and assisting with the data analysis. Secondary responsibilities include conducting literature searches on the project and assisting in writing reports, papers, and grants. be performing histological studies on the brains, including sectioning, staining, imaging, and quantification. Additional responsibilities include keeping accurate records and regulatory compliance.

Job Responsibilities:

(55%) Independently prepare and perform optical imaging studies involving animal subjects under the general supervision of senior lab staff. This includes setting up the animals within the experimental apparatus, all aspects of imaging and computerized data acquisition. Analyze and process experimental data obtained. Trouble shooting when problems arise.

(25%) Responsible for care and handling of the animals and assist in training the animal subjects to perform various behavioral tasks. The position also includes help with the experimental surgeries and, over time, learning to perform these surgeries independently.

(10%) Conduct background literature research on relevant topics including current methods and new findings in the field. Help monitor and train undergraduate student workers and assist in writing papers, reports, and grants.

(5%) Perform histological studies of the brains in the different experiments in the labs. Histological studies include sectioning, staining, imaging the sections, and then quantitative analysis of the imaged data.

(5%) Responsible for compliance and regulatory proceedings/policies on the care, handling and use of animals in these studies. Keep detailed records of all experiments and procedures in laboratory notebooks, databases, and spreadsheets.
The Ebner laboratory is interested in how information in the brain is represented spatially and temporally in populations of neurons. This includes during normal behaviors as well as in pathological disorders. This position uses histological approaches, optical imaging, and behavioral techniques to monitor brain activity in rodents, including in mice with neurodegenerative disorders.

For more information about the lab, please visit: http://www.neuroscience.umn.edu/people/timothy-j-ebner-md-phd

Qualifications:

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, related-biological sciences, biomedical engineering; or an equivalent combination of neuroscience, biological science, or biomedical engineering related education and research experience totaling at least four (4) years.
* Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some hours in evenings or weekends, as needed.
* Experience in working independently and possessing problem solving skills.
* Ability to rapidly acquire new skills in experimental procedures
* Ability to work as part of a research team.
* Some exposure to working with rodents in a laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications:
* Prior experience with optical brain imaging of activity.
* High level of intellectual curiosity about brain function in health and disorders of the nervous system.
* Computing skills, specifically in quantitative and statistical data analysis or analysis programs (e.g. Matlab).
* Experience using and programing Arduino devices
* Engineering degree, research experience, or course work in engineering.
* Prior experience in working with and training animals to perform behaviors.
* Prior experience with brain histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry.

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Pay Range: $22.65 - $24.70 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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