Research Technician I

Research Technician I

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume): High School diploma/GED (foreign equivalent or higher). Working knowledge of typical tests or procedures relative to the field of Developmental Neurobiology OR Working knowledge of Developmental Neurobiology laboratory procedures. Familiarity with the operation of specialized apparatus or equipment relative to the field of Developmental Neurobiology. Preferred Qualifications: Associate's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Biology or another related field. One [1] year of full-time experience directly related to the project or program to include experience in a laboratory environment. Experience with a variety of Developmental Neurobiology techniques.

Brief Description of Duties: Working under general supervision, the incumbent will perform a variety of routine and/or semi-skilled tasks to support and directly assist a research project or program for Dr. Maya Shelly in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, either in the laboratory or in the field. Therefore, the selected applicant will need to have a working knowledge of typical tests, procedures or techniques relative to the field as well as familiarity with the operation of specialized apparatus or equipment relative to the field. The project examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms for a critical aspect of memory management, Active Forgetting. Forgetting is thought to be mediated by the downregulation of the expression of AMPA receptors, critical receptors at the synapse that mediate synaptic plasticity, and thereby the ability of our brain to learn, remember, and importantly, forget unused or unwanted memories. The project will focus on a protein, called Scribble, and its role in AMPA receptor downregulation at the synapse, and ultimately, the mediation of memory forgetting, focusing on the molecular underpinnings of this process and determining the role of Scribble therein. Perform behavioral assays in mice studying the role of the protein Scribble in memory forgetting. Perform biochemical studies to examine the protein interactors of Scribble related to the endocytic pathway. Perform genetic cloning of various proteins associated with Scribble. Analyze data and prepare figures. Other duties as assigned.