Avian Lab Associate

Lab Associate Position

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This position will be supporting Dr. Selmaan Chettih studying black-capped chickadees. The Lab Associate will join a team focused on understanding the neural mechanisms of memory, using food-caching birds as a model system. The Lab Associate is based in New Haven, CT with intermittent fieldwork to be conducted at sites within a 2-hour radius. Daily tasks include care, feeding and maintenance of birds housed in lab, and assistance with behavioral and neurobiological experiments in the lab. They will also support general lab operations including lab supply ordering, onboarding and training of lab members. Field work in the fall and winter consists of maintenance of field sites and mist-netting to band and collect chickadees.

Cover letter is required, please make sure to include. Required skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience capturing and handling wild birds (netting/mist-netting).
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive self to sites and transport animals in vehicle.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, provide instruction and guidance, and contribute to the overall objectives of the research projects.

Preferred skills and abilities:

• Advanced education: Bachelor's degree or higher in a related scientific discipline.
• Regulatory knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory compliance, biosafety protocols, and ethical guidelines for human and animal research.
• Technical competence: Ability to use and maintain specialized laboratory equipment and software, with expertise in handling and analyzing large data sets, and experience with environmental or clinical data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research, analyze and interpret experimental data.

Principal responsibilities:

• Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority.
• Investigate, analyze, and reach preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning.
• Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.
• Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.
• Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning.
• Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.
• Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Required education and experience: Master's degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.