Research Associate, Rodent Surgery & Behavior
Performs mouse survival surgeries, behavioral training, colony operations, and behavior-rig maintenance for an all-optical neuroscience program. Requires hands-on cranial-window and headbar implantation, stereotaxic viral injections, and experience producing healthy, long-lived preparations.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Perform mouse survival surgeries under aseptic technique and IACUC-approved protocols, including stereotaxic AAV viral-vector delivery, chronic cranial-window implantation, and headbar installation.
- Run head-fixed behavior training on sequence working-memory tasks, including daily training, data collection, and rig upkeep.
- Build and maintain behavior rigs, including Bonsai and Harp control systems and lickport hardware.
- Manage the mouse colony and coordinate animal sourcing, health, and readiness with vivarium and veterinary staff.
- Maintain careful shared records of surgeries, training histories, and preparation quality for scientific continuity and compliance.
- Work with scientists conducting all-optical experiments to coordinate preparation, imaging, and perturbation.
Requirements
- Current hands-on experience performing mouse survival surgery, including chronic cranial-window implantation, headbar installation, and stereotaxic viral injections.
- Demonstrated record of consistently healthy, long-lived surgical preparations.
- Meticulous technique and ability to sustain high-quality work at volume.
- Willingness to work with standardized shared infrastructure, surgical preparations, rigs, and records.
- Strong commitment to animal welfare and open science.
Nice to Have
- Experience with head-fixed behavior training, especially working-memory or sequence tasks.
- Python scripting experience and familiarity with Bonsai, Harp, or comparable behavior-control tools.
- Experience building and maintaining behavior rigs, including lickport and custom hardware.
- Experience with two-photon imaging or optogenetic stimulation in awake mice.
- Colony management experience and coordination with vivarium staff.
Education
- BS or BA in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience. Demonstrated skill and relevant experience are valued above credentials.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $80,000-$120,000.
- Comprehensive benefits package, commensurate with experience.
Skills
Mouse Survival Surgery, Cranial-Window Implantation, Headbar Installation, Stereotaxic Injections, Aav Viral Vectors, Head-Fixed Behavior, Python, Bonsai, Harp, Lickport Hardware, Two-Photon Imaging, Optogenetics, Iacuc, Colony Management
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