Research Associate, Tracy Lab
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
About the Role
The Tracy Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our team investigating the molecular events that lead to synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Research Associate will provide technical support and assistance performing laboratory work for ongoing research in the Tracy Laboratory to elucidate the mechanisms that cause memory loss. Our research involves using transgenic mouse models of disease and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived neurons to dissect mechanisms that cause neuronal dysfunction during disease pathogenesis.
Key Responsibilities
- Making and maintaining cell cultures for the laboratory (human iPSCs, human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and HEK293 cells)
- Organizing and general management of the mouse colony
- Breeding, weaning, euthanizing and general husbandry of mice in the colony
- Tail cutting, ear punching, and genotyping of mice in the colony
- Assisting members of the lab with their projects by completing duties that may include making solutions, running PCRs and western blots, or performing immunostaining
- Ordering laboratory supplies
- Delivering packages of supplies, unpacking them, and organizing them
- Helping with laboratory organization and performing general care and maintenance of the laboratory and its equipment including tissue culture incubators and biosafety cabinets
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology (BA or BS)
- Experience handling mice is desirable
- Experience with basic laboratory techniques or methods, especially cell culture, is desirable
- Excellent organizational skills and record keeping
- Proven accuracy and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage different projects simultaneously with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and independently prioritize assignments
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary: $52,000 - $68,000, depending on skills and experience
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option
- This is an onsite position