Neuroscience Lab Coordinator

at  Colorado College

Provide support for daily activities related to the operation of Neuroscience teaching and research laboratories by preparing and maintaining reagents, instrumentation, and animals for classroom and research lab activities; assist faculty, staff, and students in laboratory instruction and research; coordinates department safety program.
Anticipated Salary Range: $22.30 to $26.75 per hour

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, chemistry, or related laboratory field plus research experience in these fields; demonstrated knowledge of basic wet laboratory and animal handling skills; excellent organizational and communication skills, a sense of responsibility; ability to manage time and work priorities; ability to work under minimal supervision, think critically and solve problems related to lab protocols and equipment; strong attention to detail and reliability, good judgment and willingness to learn; ability to work with a team effectively; ability to understand complex regulations concerning chemicals, biological materials, and animal research safety; proficient with computer software programs such Microsoft Office. Physical requirements include prolonged standing and sitting, frequent bending, reaching, and walking; occasionally moderate physical effort (lifting up to 50 pounds). Exposure to chemicals, mechanical, electrical, biological, animals, and/or other hazards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in psychology, biology, neuroscience, chemistry, or a related field; experience working and managing in a research laboratory environment; experience working with students; hardware and software experience relevant to neuroscience research, basic programming skills (e.g., in Matlab, Python, R)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage Neuroscience wet laboratory spaces, to include maintaining and training students on the use of major laboratory equipment, order and maintain stock of supplies and chemicals, and keep spaces clean and safe.
Prepare solutions, equipment, and supplies for Neuroscience laboratory exercises and research.
Assist in the teaching of Neuroscience and Psychology laboratory exercises and the mentoring of students; holding office hours to answer student questions.
Promote a culture of safety and environmental protection in the laboratory by working in a safe manner and participating in appropriate safety training, training students on safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, and maintaining an updated inventory of chemicals and MSDS information.
Assist the Psychology Paraprofessional and Colony Keeper in the care and use of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, conforming to all animal care and use-related federal and state regulations as put forth by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Perform and troubleshoot common animal-model laboratory techniques and protocols (e.g., behavioral testing, perfusions and brain extractions, histological techniques) during the school year and the summer to assist faculty and research students.