Research Assistant
Tufts University
Research Assistant - Neuroscience
About the Role
The Department of Neuroscience focuses on synaptic biology and glia biology. The Armbruster Lab investigates how astrocytes modulate extracellular neurotransmitter and ionic concentrations around synapses in physiological conditions, with a focus on neurological disease and epilepsy. Research is conducted using mouse models, applying electrophysiological and imaging approaches, alongside mouse behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological studies.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to develop and modify techniques and protocols, and provide input into research design focusing on astrocytic K+ channels' distribution and function.
- Independently perform specialized techniques and experiments including stereotactic rodent surgeries, microscopy, and immunolabeling.
- Analyze data, interpret results, and assist in writing materials for publication and presentation.
- May supervise or provide work direction to others in the laboratory and help manage laboratory operations.
- Aid in ongoing lab maintenance and ordering.
- Conduct specialized laboratory experiments including stereotactic rodent surgeries and microscopy.
- Perform tissue preparation, immunohistochemical tissue labeling, and imaging.
- Develop research study design, techniques, and protocols in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
- Review results and suggest modifications to experiments and protocols.
- Oversee collection and data entry of results.
- Analyze and interpret data and draft results of experiments.
- Write summaries and materials for presentation and publication.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Bachelor's Degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience.
- Master's Degree and up to one year of laboratory experience.
- 3-5 years related laboratory experience (with a Bachelor's).
- Less than 1 year of related laboratory experience (with a Master's).
- Experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery.
- Highly organized with attention to detail and follow-up.
- Able to communicate effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in science.
- Experience with immunohistochemical techniques.
- Experience with expansion microscopy.
- Experience with live-cell imaging.
- Experience with confocal microscopy.
- Data analysis experience.
- Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures, data interpretation, and statistical analysis.