The Neural Circuit Assembly & Plasticity Laboratory (Ribic NeuroLab) led by Dr. Adema Ribic at the University of Virginia is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented and meticulous Laboratory and Research Tech. The Ribic NeuroLab uses in vivo electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, viral and anatomical tools to study mechanisms that guide development and remodeling of cortical circuitry.
The Ribic NeuroLab offers a collaborative environment, with a strong focus on hands-on laboratory training and mentorship. The successful candidate will work directly with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Adema Ribic, and collaborate with other laboratory scientists. Besides implementation of neuroscientific experiments, the position entails the management of the animal colony, as well as laboratory inventory, data and supplies. As the funding for this position is available for 5 years, with a likelihood of extension, this is a great opportunity for recent BA/BS or MSc graduates that are considering a career in scientific research and are looking for a position that facilitates career growth.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor’s degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Education in Biology, Neuroscience, Engineering, Psychology, Life Science, Molecular Biology, and similar.
• Strong computer and spreadsheet skills, and the ability to carefully analyze large data sets.
• Experience in animal work (especially rodents), microscopy (epifluorescent, confocal or 2-photon), cell/tissue culture or electrophysiology (cell, slice or in vivo), and data analysis

• Perform data collection and analysis for ongoing experiments
• Conduct animal husbandry and animal colony maintenance
• Manage and curate data repositories
• Maintain laboratory inventory
• Fully document procedures for each experiment and ensure data quality
• Follow laboratory and institutional guidelines and protocols
• Report to the Principal Investigator and be responsible for the supervision of other trainees
• Prepare data for presentations and present data at weekly and monthly meetings
• Continuously improve skills, both through literature searches and reading, and through collaborations with neighboring laboratories
• Adjust work schedule according to experimental demands
• Successfully perform under pressure, in a high-paced environment, and be able to meet frequent deadlines
• Independently operate equipment and perform laboratory techniques. May explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.