Research Technician- Witten Lab

Research Technician

We are currently seeking a multifaceted, well organized Research Technician in the systems neuroscience laboratory of Dr. Ilana Witten at Princeton University. The lab studies the neural circuitry underlying learning and decision-making, using electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral methods, with rodents as the model system. A major challenge that makes learning difficult is that the world is complex and high dimensional: there are often multiple possible stimuli or actions to attribute to any outcome, and a gap in time between an event and its consequences. The lab brings new perspectives and technologies to understand how the brain overcomes these types of challenges. The lab is also very interested in the ramifications of learning in a complex and high dimensional environment on the emergence of individual differences, including the origin of stress-related maladaptive states. More information on the lab can be found on the website wittenlab.org.

In this role, you will be supporting the lab's research by working closely with graduate students or postdoctoral research fellows on projects related to the neural circuits underlying reward-related behaviors, through tasks such as training mice on operant tasks, performing optogenetic experiments and histological analysis of brain tissue.

What we provide:

• A supportive lab environment focused on both the welfare of our people and the quality of our science.
• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
• Opportunities to perform and master a wide variety of skills, including electrophysiology, fluorescence imaging, histology, surgery, mouse behavior and data analysis.
• Opportunities to attend talks and participate in a world-class neuroscience environment.

What you'll do:

• Collaborate closely with a graduate student or postdoctoral research fellow in the lab.
• Train mice on behavioral tasks.
• Perform neural recording and manipulation experiments.
• Prepare brain tissue for histology.
• Opportunities to assist with data analysis and visualization.
• Organizational and administrative assistance to the lab alongside the Lab Manager.
• Attend lab meetings and planning sessions.

What You Bring:

• A bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience working in a wet lab environment.
• Previous experience working with rodents in a research setting.
• Preferably research experience involving neuroscience methods.
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and capacity for creative problem solving.
• Strong multitasking skills and time management.
• Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries.
• Meticulous attention to detail with emphasis on keeping records of experiments and results.
• Comfortable with handling live mice.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Compensation Range

$18.40 (minimum) - $23.03 (midpoint) - $29.93 (maximum)

Pay Type: Hourly

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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