Research Assistant I - Neurobehavioral Phenotyping

at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, United States

Job Description

Research Assistant I - Neurobehavioral Phenotyping

The Jackson Laboratory is a world leader in mammalian genetics and has a mission we are passionate about: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

The Center for Biometric Analysis is a state-of-the-art facility providing in vivo mouse phenotyping services across a wide range of biomedical domains including behavioral neuroscience, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease.

We are recruiting an enthusiastic and skilled Research Assistant I to join our Neurobehavioral Phenotyping (NBP) Core. Our activities include testing cognition and memory, motor function and nociception response; assessing social-, depressive- and anxiety-related behaviors; and monitoring seizure activity, indicators of psychosis, and characteristics of aging.

The range of duties includes but is not limited to data collection; data quality control and statistical analysis; project planning and scheduling; developing and documenting behavioral assays that are new to the NBP Core; troubleshooting and modifying existing assays; training team members to perform assays; laboratory and project management; and preparing materials for scientific reports.

The successful candidate must thrive in a fast paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and engagement. Exceptional attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.

Relocation Assistance Provided

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
Achieve and maintain competency in neurobehavioral phenotyping assays.
Conduct studies based upon standard operational procedures (SOPs).
Collect data, perform quality control, monitor accuracy, and upload data to database system within agreed upon timelines.
Apply statistical knowledge and tools to analyze data.
Install, operate, and troubleshoot highly specialized equipment.
Write and maintain SOPs to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Identify and document variations that may affect the validity of experiments.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to interact with others in a productive, professional manner.
Models good safety practices.
Exceptional computer skills including database configuration.
Proficient in technical writing.
Flexible team player with a positive attitude.
Ability to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.
Mouse handling and phenotyping skills preferred.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences or 3 years of equivalent experience.
Experience in neurosciences, genetics biopsychology or behavior preferred.

About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients' lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 "Best Places to Work in Academia" in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!

EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.