Research Technician - Biology - Tufts University

The Tufts Department of Biology is dedicated to providing for our students a unified and comprehensive view of biological processes and opportunities for undergraduates to actively participate in cutting-edge biological research in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, plant ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology. The Department of Biology maintains an active research and teaching program on the Medford campus and in various field locales, and trains and advises graduate and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows.

This is a grant-funded position and not eligible for severance pay. The initial appointment will be for 1 year, with potential for extension of at least another year depending on available funds and performance.

The Kao Laboratory in the Department of Biology at Tufts University is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic full-time Research Technician. The Research Technician will be jointly advised by Professor Aniruddh Patel in the Psychology Department to work on a collaborative project exploring the neural mechanisms underlying rhythm perception using a small animal model. The Kao Lab uses the tractable songbird model to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying vocal learning, and the Patel lab focuses on music cognition, particularly music-language relations, rhythmic processing and cross-species studies of music cognition. The Kao lab is housed in a recently renovated research space on the Medford, MA campus of Tufts University in close proximity to the Psychology Department.

With guidance, the candidate will plan and conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, keep careful

records, and communicate data to the PI and lab team members. Responsibilities will include executing research projects related to the collaborative project and lab management.

Specific tasks include:

• Animal husbandry
• Design and execution of behavioral experiments
• In vivo neurophysiology recordings
• Immunohistochemistry
• Maintaining animal colony
• Ordering lab supplies
• Developing lab protocols and training new lab members associated with the collaborative project
• Analyzing, writing and visualizing results from experiments for publications and grant applications

The successful candidate should have at least a B.Sc. in a relevant field (biology, neurobiology) and at least 1 year experience in providing research support for a neurobiology or psychology research lab. Prior experience with neurophysiological techniques, such as lesions and extracellular recordings is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively, solve problems efficiently, coordinate multiple projects, and thrive in an open-lab design with shared communal spaces is essential.

The Kao laboratory values diversity and inclusivity and fostering an academic/research environment where professional growth and distinct career choices are appreciated.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree in science with at least 1 year laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with in vivo neurophysiological methods
• Experience with animals   
  

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

The Research Technician will work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials, animal tissue and fluids. The employee must adhere to proper safety procedures, and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.