Research Assistant II, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Dr. Kenta Asahina

Application Instructions:

Employment History Include your last ten (10) years of employment history, or length of your employment history if less, including all positions (even those that are not relevant to this position) and periods of unemployment. Incomplete information could disqualify you from further consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is a part of a research team focused on understanding the genetic and neural control of animal behavior. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and a postdoctoral scholar, incumbent aids laboratory management, and executes behavioral and histological experiments according to the plans set by postdoctoral scholars. Additional tasks include behavioral data analysis using machine vision and machine learning-based programs, molecular cloning, biochemical analysis of metabolites, and maintenance of the transgenic Drosophila strains. Demonstrated skills to conduct experiment in the lab and to keep records are essential. He or she will need to communicate with various personnel in and outside of the laboratory for the smooth operation of scientific research.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(40%) Laboratory Support

• Assisting maintenance of molecular biology reagents and Drosophila

Restocking consumables such as disposable plasticware, gloves and other personal protective equipment, etc.
Placing and receiving orders of incoming laboratory supplies, as well as shipping materials to other laboratories.
Managing day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including ensuring operation of essential equipment, making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures.

(30%) Drosophila husbandry and behavior experiments

• Maintenance of Drosophila strains by periodically transferring the flies to new media.

Monitoring the general health of the colonies.
Assays on various social behaviors, such as courtship, aggression, and locomotion.
Quantitative behavior data analysis using software developed in MATLAB environment.
Monitoring of fly lifespan under various genetic, social, and nutritional conditions. This includes preparations of specific Drosophila media and periodical transfer of the flies to new media.

• Colorimetric quantitative assays for metabolic measurements in fly samples. This includes sample preparation, setting up reactions and performing colorimetric measurements on spectrophotometer.

(30%) Immunohistochemistry of Drosophila brains

• Analyzing distribution of target proteins by fluorescent immunohistochemistry in the fly brains.

Perform dissection, fix, antibody application, wash, and mounting following the established protocol.
Capture and document the image of fluorescent signals using the confocal microscopy.

EXPERIENCE

Required

• Minimum 2 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated experience in research activity within a laboratory setting obtained through laboratory courses, seasonal intern, paid research assistant position.
Demonstrated experience with general laboratory maintenance, including cleaning, stocking supply inventory, and ensuring the maintenance of a sterile environment.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience in using MATLAB, Python, R, or equivalent data analysis/programming package.

Demonstrated experience in handling of Drosophila melanogaster in the lab.
Demonstrated experience in performing behavioral experiments, including data analysis using Drosophila melanogaster in the lab.
Demonstrated experience and application of immunohistochemistry. This includes operation of confocal microscopy to produce publication-grade images.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required

• Ability to conduct a biological experiment independently. This includes the ability to (a) develop a clear and tangible goal of an experiment, (b) gather background information, both in concepts and techniques, by searching through printed and online publications, research articles, protocols, webinars and personal communications, (c) develop strategies and technical approaches, (d) design experiments with proper positive and negative controls, within the limit of time and available resources, (e) prepare necessary reagents and conduct reliable, reproducible and accurate experiments, (f) critically assess the results, develop an alternative approach and troubleshoot protocols if the goal is not accomplished, (g) document the entire process of the project in a professional format, and (h) communicate results openly with PI and those interested.

Excellent written communication skills and knowledge of English language, including grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to effectively communicate scientific ideas, techniques and data with other scientists. This includes performing written, oral and visual presentation of project plans and results, compiling results in a professional format, and integrating critic and comments from other scientists to improve protocol and experimental approaches.
Strong inter-personal skills. This requires communicating effectively, patiently and tactfully in writing, in-person and on the phone conversations with a variety of people in research environment including professors, scientists, students, administrators, sales representatives, industry technical experts, clinicians and media personnel. Ability to establish and maintain strong professional relationship with people with diverse personality and cultural background is required.
Strong commitment to scientific integrity. This requires proper assessment of skills and available resources, adherence to written protocols and safety regulations, setting adequate timelines and estimate on workloads, detailed records of every scientific activities, honest and timely communication of ongoing tasks, and flexibility in work schedule to achieve the goal within deadline.
Proficiency in basic computer software and Internet usage, both in MAC and PC systems. This includes information search on Internet-based databases, operation of basic software including Microsoft Office, and Internet communications using e-mails, Zoom, Slack, and other methods.
Conceptual and practical understanding of the safe operation of laboratory equipment, including centrifuge, incubators, microscopy, deep freezers etc.
Understanding of animal genetics, and handling of Drosophila melanogaster. This includes basic understanding of genetic methods to manipulate Drosophila

Preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative animal behavior, including (but not limited to) the variable nature of animal behavior, possible sources of such variabilities, and methods to quantify complex animal behaviors using computer-based approaches.

Demonstrated skills on microsurgery on laboratory animals.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience on basic statistical analyses. This includes the concept of statistical significance, confidence intervals, Type-1 and Type-2 errors, parametric and non-parametric tests, as well as applications of various statistical tests using software such as Excel, MATLAB and Prism.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in large data management and network management.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.

Must be willing to work independently and must have a flexible schedule to support research needs.
Satisfactory completion of the Institute's background investigation.
Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position requires constant adjusting focus, grasping, handling, seeing, and working inside.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)