HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE HHMI

HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE HHMI

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

University of California, San Diego

Sponsorship not specified$92k-$646kDetected 21 days ago
PythonMATLABData AnalysisHRISCustomer SupportControlsResearchExperimental DesignAnimal StudiesCommunicationCollaborationPublic Speaking

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64Sponsors, lottery-bound
Cap-exempt (no lottery)0
Sponsors this role100
Entry-level history0
PERM / green-card track0
Lottery odds (Level IV)94
Fits your clock70

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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 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.

Responsibilities

  • Perform in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neural population activity in behaving mice.
  • Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot in vivo imaging methods for CaRMA imaging, with an emphasis on reliable high-quality data acquisition, imaging stability, and reproducibility.
  • 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.
  • Integrate two-photon imaging with behavioral-control and physiological measurement systems and contribute to experimental design, interpretation, presentations, and scientific publications.
  • Successful projects in which the candidate participates may lead to authorship on scientific publications.

Requirements

  • 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.
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of an imaging platform while collaborating closely with researchers across multiple projects.
  • Experience with behavioral neuroscience, optical instrumentation, microscope hardware/software, or integration of imaging with behavioral-control systems is desirable.
  • Perform and optimize surgical preparations required for chronic imaging, including cranial windows, headplates, and GRIN-lens implantation as appropriate.
  • Strong experimental troubleshooting skills and demonstrated interest in developing and improving in vivo imaging methods.
  • Ability and interest in teaching others and helping researchers successfully implement two-photon imaging in their experiments.
  • 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
  • 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

Nice to have

  • PhD preferred but not required
  • relevant hands-on experience is especially important.

Skills

  • Work Address:
  • Leichtag Biomedical Research Building, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0646
  • Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.
  • The Sternson Lab at the University of California, San Diego investigates how neural circuits control appetite and motivated behavior.
  • More information can be found at https://sternsonlab.com/.

Compensation

  • Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs.
  • Annual The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting.
  • Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

  • A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
  • Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Company info

  • 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.
  • 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.

Equal opportunity

  • HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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