Research Assistant - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute/Department of Neuroscience

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant with the Department of Neuroscience.

About the Opportunity

Synapses are fundamental building blocks of neural circuits. The mis-regulation of synaptic formation, function and plasticity is associated with numerous disorders and diseases such as addiction, depression, Alzheimer's disease as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My lab has a long-standing interest in understanding how molecules that regulate synapse formation are linked to neuronal activity and control the maturation and function of excitatory synapses.

The efforts of Hruska lab are directed at investigating how the molecular nano-architecture of dendritic spine synapses underlies structural plasticity in health and disease. To do this, we have taken advantage of state-of-the-art imaging approaches such as stimulated-emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy to examine how pre- and post-synaptic molecular nano-organization are linked to one another and to dendritic spine size, a correlate of synaptic strength. Additionally, we perform STED microscopy in living neurons that enables us to monitor how synaptic nano-architecture is dynamically modified after induction of structural plasticity. The goal is to develop new reagents and techniques to extend these approaches to imaging living brain. Understanding how organization of excitatory synaptic molecules underlies their function will shed light on normal brain function and could eventually lead to development of therapies for various neurological disorders.

Currently we are looking at highly motivated individuals that have interest in applying STED nanoscopy in combination with molecular biology, CRISPR approaches and mouse models of disease to understand plasticity of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in physiologically relevant paradigms, such as sleep but also during the functional recovery after stroke and in Alzheimer's disease.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
* 37.5-hour work week
* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
* 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
* 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
* WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
* 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
* Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Generating primary cortical cultures from E18 rat embryos strictly following IACUC protocols. Transfecting/transducing cortical neuron cultures with construct to manipulate synapse development/function.
• Performing histological tissue processing. This includes non-survival surgeries for perfusion and
  fixation sectioning brains tissue, staining the tissue histochemically or immunochemically, mounting sections on glass slides, and keeping a detailed database or logbook of all processed brains.
• Developing new techniques and technologies for use in the lab. This includes tissue clearing, CRISPR tool development for in vitro and vivo gene editing, optogenetics, new viral tools. This will require independent literature search and experimentation, to arrive at the optimal procedure.
• Performing imaging of brain sections and cultured neurons. This includes super-resolution and conventional confocal imaging of fixed and living tissue. Keeping all acquired images in an annotated database.
• Use molecular biology techniques to clone new constructs for manipulation of synaptic function and CRISPR tools for gene editing.
• Manage day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including such activities as ensuring operation of essential equipment and making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures.
• Act as liaison between the lab, and institution administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, use of host accounts, and so forth.
• Actively participating in weekly lab meetings.
• In addition to performing the above duties, the employee may be asked to train new personnel (students, research assistants etc.) on some of these procedures.

Pay Grade:

• Bachelor's degree in science (preferably biology, chemistry or biochemistry), with course work in cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, organic and inorganic chemistry, and lab course work in biology and chemistry. Advanced degree is a plus but not required
• A minimum of one (1) year experience. (This position is particularly good fit for someone who recently obtained their Bachelor's degree and is interested in moving on to the medical/graduate school within 2-3 years).
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to handle live rodents in experimental settings
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience in molecular biology and cloning
• Confocal/two-photon microscopy familiarity
• Familiarity with standard computer software such as Word, Excel, CorelDraw and/or Photoshop
• Knowledge of advanced lab equipment, including centrifuges, and confocal microscopes.
• Knowledge of routine molecular biology, biochemical and imaging approaches
• Attention to detail and ability to attend to, comprehend and follow verbal instructions and written or published protocols.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for communicating effectively and courteously with PI and lab personnel.
• Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.
  

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.