Research Assistant - Laboratory of Dr. Eiman Azim

The Research Assistant I position will support ongoing research projects utilizing molecular and genetic tools to study neural circuits that underlie the acquisition, refinement, execution, and adaptation of skilled movement. Primary responsibilities will include conducting sensorimotor behavioral training for mice on assays designed in the lab, and performing stereotaxic mouse surgeries for circuit tracing, optogenetics, and in vivo electrophysiology. Additional duties will include assisting with histology and data analysis.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

• Stereotaxic mouse surgeries
  • Perform intracranial and intraspinal injections with high precision and accuracy for delivery of viral vectors into brain regions of study.
  • Perform surgical implantation procedures in preparation for behavioral assays and in vivo recordings.
  • Maintain surgical equipment and supplies for the lab.
  • Maintain detailed surgical records.
  • Maintain high standards of sterility and both pre- and post-operative care.
• Sensorimotor behavioral assays
  • Perform routine handling and operant training of mice on forelimb sensorimotor learning tasks using positive reinforcement.
  • Work closely with researchers to train and prepare animals for in vivo behavioral and electrophysiology experiments.
  • Perform routine checks to maintain and troubleshoot mechanical and electronic components on behavioral systems.
  • Maintain detailed training and animal care records.
• Histology and imaging
  • Perform perfusions, dissections, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence imaging for histological verification.
• Data processing and analysis
  • Routinely execute pre-processing pipelines on datasets using code developed by the lab (Python, MATLAB).
  • Assist with the development and refinement of existing data analysis code.
  • Analyze histological images using open-source tools (Fiji/Image
    
    J).
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

• No professional experience required.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills preferred: MATLAB and/or Python, Conda, Git Hub, Common office software (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, etc.).
• Other skills required (preferred):
  • Prior experience working with mice in a research environment.
  • Ability to learn and carry out new procedures accurately and efficiently.

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries. The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression,…