OPS Research Assistant (Psychology)

at  Florida State University

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science, computer science or engineering

• Strong organizational and management skills, including the ability to efficiently handle inventory.
• Capable of organizing and managing data and documentation on shared repositories.
• Providing technical support for laboratory projects.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a motivation to excel in a diverse and collaborative research environment.
• While not required, experience in neuroscience research is preferred.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Varela Lab in the Psychology Department at Florida State University (FSU) is currently seeking a Research Assistant to perform experiments in rats to investigate the link between sleep architecture, memory, and neural activity. This project is part of a wider research program in the lab that seeks to provide mechanistic insight on the role of sleep dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. This is a great opportunity for students looking to strengthen their research skills and academic competitiveness for PhD and MD-PhD Programs in Neuroscience.
About the Varela lab: The Varela Laboratory is dedicated to exploring the neural underpinnings of learning and memory in rodents. We employ a wide array of cutting-edge neuroscience techniques, including electrode recordings in freely behaving rodents, closed-loop brain activity manipulations, optogenetics, and computational approaches.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting experiments in rodents to test the role of the thalamus in memory function. This will involve rodent handling, surgery and behavioral training; histological processing and imaging of brain tissue.
• Maintaining accurate records of experiments and collected data.
• Assists with laboratory maintenance, ordering laboratory supplies,
• Helps maintain a collaborative, clean, and safe workplace and assists with other experimental and lab related duties as required.