Lab & Research Specialist 1 - Dept. of Anatomy and Neurobiology

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

The Neigh Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a full-time laboratory technician. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the PI and other study staff and trainees with behavioral neuroscience research utilizing a USDA-regulated rodent species and standard laboratory rats. This includes husbandry for California mice, rats, and mice, behavioral assessments and analysis of rodents across the life span, proficiency in immunohistochemistry and analysis of brain tissue with a focus on microglial cells, experience with qRT-PCR on brain tissue, and experience with functional assessments of synaptic mitochondria. This is a 100% in-person position.

Core Responsibilities:

1.) Immunohistochemistry/histology, imaging, and quantitative image analysis

• Process rodent brain tissue for markers of immune activation including microglia and peripheral infiltrating cells from collection through image analysis

2.) Rodent husbandry and USDA documentation

• Participate in breeding, weaning, and general husbandry of California mice and completion of required regulatory documentation. Participate in general husbandry of rats and mice

3.) Rodent behavioral testing and analysis

• Facilitate behavioral assessments of multiple rodent species and engage in quantification of behavioral outcomes and contribute to data entry and preparation for analysis

4.) Assist with laboratory maintenance and operations

• Assist the PI with the day to day maintenance and workflow of the lab including verifying that laboratory cleaning and safety policies are followed, assisting trainees with technical issues, and additional tasks as assigned by the PI