Research Assistant Job Listing at Rockefeller University in New York, NY (Job ID 1680)

Description

Organization Overview

The Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior takes advantage of the relatively simple nervous system of the fruit fly Drosophila to examine how flexibility is engineered into the nervous system to give rise to adaptive behaviors,at the level of both individuals and species. We examine how learning rapidly shapes neural pathways to allow each member of a species to respond appropriately to their unique experience of the world. We also consider how neural circuits are adapted over longer evolutionary time scales to give rise to species-specific behaviors. Our lab employs a multidisciplinary approach,from biochemistry to behavior,with the goal of revealing the neural basis for flexible behavior at high resolution.
Overview

We are seeking a meticulous and dedicated full-time Research Assistant to contribute to ongoing work by establishing and maintaining transgenic Drosophila (fruit fly) strains. Primary duties will include designing and constructing targeting vectors, screening transformants using fluorescent markers and/or genotyping, and Drosophila husbandry. Additional responsibilities may include immunostaining and immunofluorescence imaging. This position is ideal for individuals with a keen eye for detail and an interest in genetics who want to be active contributors to research projects. In addition to technical tasks, the role involves conceptual design and analysis of experiments, as well as data presentation in laboratory meetings. Candidates must be detail-oriented, focused, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities:

• Transgenic Fly Strain Management:
• Establish and maintain transgenic fly strains, including setting up crosses, monitoring health, and maintaining detailed records.
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure strains are available as needed for experiments.
• Immunostaining:
• Perform immunostaining procedures on Drosophila tissue samples to visualize specific proteins.
• Maintain accurate records of staining protocols and results, troubleshooting issues as necessary.
• Fly Sorting:
• Sort and categorize fruit flies under a microscope based on specific experimental criteria.
• Accurately document and report findings.
• Fly Food Pickup:
• Coordinate and transport fly food from an external institution every other week.
• Ensure the safe and timely delivery of fly food to our facility.
• Lab Maintenance:
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, fly storage, and equipment.
• Assist with basic operational and maintenance tasks to support lab functionality.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences or related field.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy, essential for managing transgenic lines, immunostaining, and fly sorting.
• Reliability and Punctuality: Commitment to a consistent full-time schedule and timely task completion.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to carry and transport fly food containers as needed.
• Comfort working with a wide variety of people at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• High attention to detail, effective time management, and prioritization skills.
• A proactive approach with eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored.
• Ability to work independently to design, perform, and analyze experiments.
• Active contribution to research projects, including supporting experiments and presenting data in laboratory meetings.
• Perform lab maintenance duties as needed.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

Preferred:

• Preferred Experience: Prior experience with microscopy, immunostaining, laboratory work, or transgenic fly handling is a plus but not required. Training will be provided for the right candidate.

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences or related field.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy, essential for managing transgenic lines, immunostaining, and fly sorting.
• Reliability and Punctuality: Commitment to a consistent full-time schedule and timely task completion.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to carry and transport fly food containers as needed.
• Comfort working with a wide variety of people at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• High attention to detail, effective time management, and prioritization skills.
• A proactive approach with eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored.
• Ability to work independently to design, perform, and analyze experiments.
• Active contribution to research projects, including supporting experiments and presenting data in laboratory meetings.
• Perform lab maintenance duties as needed.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

Preferred:

• Preferred Experience: Prior experience with microscopy, immunostaining, laboratory work, or transgenic fly handling is a plus but not required. Training will be provided for the right candidate.

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Responsibilities:

• Transgenic Fly Strain Management:
• Establish and maintain transgenic fly strains, including setting up crosses, monitoring health, and maintaining detailed records.
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure strains are available as needed for experiments.
• Immunostaining:
• Perform immunostaining procedures on Drosophila tissue samples to visualize specific proteins.
• Maintain accurate records of staining protocols and results, troubleshooting issues as necessary.
• Fly Sorting:
• Sort and categorize fruit flies under a microscope based on specific experimental criteria.
• Accurately document and report findings.
• Fly Food Pickup:
• Coordinate and transport fly food from an external institution every other week.
• Ensure the safe and timely delivery of fly food to our facility.
• Lab Maintenance:
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, fly storage, and equipment.
• Assist with basic operational and maintenance tasks to support lab functionality.