Research Specialist I, In Vivo Two-Photon Imaging- Sternson Lab

The Sternson Lab at the University of California, San Diego investigates how neural circuits control appetite and motivated behavior. A major focus of the laboratory is the development of CaRMA imaging , an experimental framework that links large-scale measurements of neural activity in behaving animals to post hoc molecular identification of the same recorded neurons. We use advanced in vivo two-photon calcium imaging together with spatial transcriptomic and circuit-mapping approaches to determine how molecularly defined neural populations control food seeking, consumption, and satiety. More information can be found at

About the role:

The Sternson Lab is seeking a Research Specialist with substantial expertise in in vivo two-photon imaging of the mouse brain . This person will serve as the lab’s primary technical and scientific resource for in vivo two-photon imaging and will take primary responsibility for the imaging component of CaRMA imaging .

The position combines four closely linked responsibilities: performing in vivo calcium-imaging experiments, developing and optimizing methods for imaging neural activity in behaving mice, taking substantial ownership of imaging-data analysis, and enabling other researchers in the lab to successfully apply two-photon imaging in their experiments.

The Research Specialist will work across the full imaging workflow, from surgical preparation and data acquisition through image processing, quantitative analysis, and alignment of functional imaging data with post hoc molecular information. A major part of the role is method development: identifying technical limitations, troubleshooting experiments, improving imaging quality and stability, and establishing robust approaches that can be used across projects.

This is a highly collaborative position. The Research Specialist will work closely with lab members to design imaging experiments, train researchers in imaging and analysis methods, and provide ongoing technical support as two-photon imaging is incorporated into diverse studies of neural circuit function.

We are looking for an experienced, technically creative scientist who enjoys solving experimental problems, developing new methods, analyzing complex datasets, and helping others use advanced imaging approaches effectively.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Successful projects in which the candidate participates may lead to authorship on scientific publications.

• One-on-one mentorship.
• A vibrant and inclusive cultural environment.
• Cutting-edge research at the interface between neuroscience and physiology.
• Opportunity for broad interactions with other labs and the scientific community.

What you’ll do:

• Perform in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neural population activity in behaving mice.
• Perform and optimize surgical preparations required for chronic imaging, including cranial windows, headplates, and GRIN-lens implantation as appropriate.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot in vivo imaging methods for CaRMA imaging, with an emphasis on reliable high-quality data acquisition, imaging stability, and reproducibility.
• Take substantial ownership of two-photon imaging data analysis, including image registration, motion correction, segmentation and signal extraction, quality control, longitudinal tracking where appropriate, and quantitative analysis of neural population dynamics.
• Help align functional imaging data with post hoc molecular and cell-type information generated through CaRMA imaging.
• Work with lab members to design and implement two-photon imaging approaches that address their scientific questions.
• Train and support other researchers in surgical preparation, microscope operation, experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and best practices for in vivo two-photon imaging.
• Take primary technical responsibility for the lab’s in vivo two-photon imaging capabilities, including microscope performance, troubleshooting, and implementation of improvements to optical systems, acquisition hardware, and software in collaboration with lab members, collaborators, and vendors.
• Integrate two-photon imaging with behavioral-control and physiological measurement systems and contribute to experimental design, interpretation, presentations, and scientific publications.

What you bring:

• Substantial hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon imaging in the mouse brain and a demonstrated ability to obtain reproducible, high-quality imaging data.
• Experience with surgical preparations for chronic mouse brain imaging, including cranial windows and/or GRIN-lens approaches.
• Strong experience analyzing calcium-imaging or related neural imaging datasets, with the ability to take substantial ownership of analysis from raw data through quantitative interpretation.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or a related environment.
• Strong experimental troubleshooting skills and demonstrated interest in developing and improving in vivo imaging methods.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of an imaging platform while collaborating closely with researchers across multiple projects.
• Ability and interest in teaching others and helping researchers successfully implement two-photon imaging in their experiments.
• Experience with behavioral neuroscience, optical instrumentation, microscope hardware/software, or integration of imaging with behavioral-control systems is desirable.
• Advanced degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and research experience. PhD preferred but not required; relevant hands-on experience is especially important.

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.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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