Research Associate (Tischfield Lab)

Experienced Research Associate to conduct research on the genetic foundation of Tourette disorder (TD) using genetically engineered mouse models. This research utilizes human data on new mutations that cause TD, recreating those mutations in the orthologous mouse genes. This employee must be fully independent with regard to establishing mouse crosses to produce mice with the proper mutation and genetic background. This individual must be cognizant in mouse behavioral testing as well as newer machine learning approaches. This individual must understand habit/reward selection assays and their application to mice. The individual will do brain histopathology of mutant mice to identify specific cell types and conduct confocal microscopy of sections stained with fluorescent markers for various gene products. Experience with Imaris image analysis software is required. Experience with protein fractionation is highly desired. An understanding and background in human genetics and human neuropsychiatric disorders with a genetic foundation is essential. The ultimate goal is to use mouse models to understand the cellular and molecular bases of TD and for the testing of novel drugs that might provide relief.

Doctoral degree in genetics, molecular biology or molecular neuroscience and at least three years of relevant postdoctoral experience with a heavy concentration on mouse behavior and motion sequencing. Training in human and mouse genetics and experience is administering mouse behavioral paradigms is required including data analysis and presentation. Work as part of a team to determine brain circuits altered in TD mice using histopathology, electrophysiology, optogenetics. Be fully competent in molecular techniques, qPCR, DNA sequencing data analysis, RNA and protein blots, experience with image and data analysis software.

Training in human and mouse genetics and experience is administering mouse behavioral paradigms is required including data analysis and presentation. Work as part of a team to determine brain circuits altered in TD mice using histopathology, electrophysiology, optogenetics. Be fully competent in molecular techniques, qPCR, DNA sequencing data analysis, RNA and protein blots, experience with image and data analysis software.

Mouse behavioral apparatus including motion sequencing, confocal microscopes, Imaris image analysis software

Must be able to work in the mouse facility and in the behavioral testing spaces.

This person will collaboratively decide what experiments to do and conduct them in a manner that they individually conceptualize and reduce to practice. They will require the ability to understand data and devise new experiments based on said data. This individual will work as part of a multilevel group consisting of two PIs, other Research Associates, postdoctoral fellows, technicians and undergraduates. This individual must be capable of supervising technicians and undergraduates.