Position: In-slice Electrophysiologist
Location: The Venkatesh Lab, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
Introduction
The Venkatesh Lab (https://venkateshlab.org/) is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our pioneering research efforts in the emerging field of cancer neuroscience. Our lab's exciting new area of research lies at the intersection of cancer biology and neuroscience - we focus on characterizing and therapeutically targeting electrical components of disease pathophysiologies. By improving our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neuron-glioma communication and circuit formation in and outside of the brain, the Venkatesh Lab aims to harness the systems level microenvironmental dependencies of tumour growth to develop innovative therapeutic treatments.
We are looking for an Electrophysiologist with a background in ex-vivo/in-slice electrophysiology and advanced microscopy, strong organizational skills, and the ability to attain a high degree of independence in a new and dynamic research environment. In this role, the individual will conduct a variety of experiments including in slice and in vivo neuroimaging, stereotactic surgeries, and electrophysiology. As one of the first members of the Venkatesh lab team, the candidate will also contribute to research work and publications on novel neuron-glioma circuit interactions using advanced neuroscience techniques.
Duties and Responsibilities
Independent Research- 35%
1. Develop and explore independent projects within the field of cancer neuroscience under the direction of the PI.
2. Independently develop and implement new or modified electrophysiology techniques required for research projects.
Research Support – 30%
3. Execute in slice and ex vivo patch clamp electrophysiology/optical recordings for ongoing projects within the lab.
4. Learn and adapt techniques to record from various cell types
5. Provide basic assistance to researchers in analysing electrophysiology data
Analysis - 25%
6. Publish scholarly reports and present at scientific conferences.
7. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses.
Set up/Maintenance/Troubleshooting- 10%
8. Construct a complete electrophysiology rig setup to fit the needs of the lab/planned experiments.
9. Implement and develop electrophysiological protocols and assays to support multiple projects.
10. Schedule and maintain records of equipment/facilities. May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment.
In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
The Candidate
Qualifications
PhD Required. Ideally 3-5 years of previous experience in a research environment and 3+ years’ experience with patch clamp.
1. Experience with in vitro and ex-vivo patch clamp (cell lines, primary neurons, or slice electrophysiology).
2. A strong understanding of microscopy (including brightfield, confocal and 2-photon), digital-imaging platforms, image quantification and interpretation is essential.
3. Experience with other neuronal/glial function assays desirable. (eg. Ca2+ imaging, MEA)
4. Expertise working with acute brain slice preparations and, ideally, primary neuronal cultures.
5. In vivo recording experience is preferred, but not required.
Skills/competencies
1. Good organizational skills, detail oriented
2. Sound degree of computer literacy
3. Ability to methodically record data and to analyse data using basic statistics
4. Strong written and verbal communications skills.
5. Ability to demonstrate professionalism
6. Work independently after initial training with minimum supervision. Discusses progress of work regularly with supervisor.
7. Analyse, visualise, and document experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks in a timely and accurate manner.
Working conditions
- Requires work in an environment where animals are used for research.
- Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials are present.
How to apply
To apply for this position please click here.