Research Assistant in Sensory Neuroscience/ Zebrafish

Job Title: Research Assistant in Sensory Neuroscience/ Zebrafish

Job Number: 68156

Location: St. Louis, US

Job Description

Job Profile Summary: The Fay & Carl Simons Center for the Biology of Hearing and Deafness in the Department of Otolaryngology has an opening for a Research Assistant to join the Sheets and Warchol labs. We use zebrafish as a model for human hearing and balance with the goal of understanding how to protect and repair human inner ears from damage. The successful candidate will be involved with projects understanding how chemotherapeutic drugs damage sensory receptors and nerves. Main duties will consist of zebrafish husbandry, histology, molecular biology, and microscopy experiments. Position assists with all aspects of research studies, including experiments, documentation, data analysis and preparation of materials.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
• Conducts research studies, experiments and assays including collection of data, preparation of solutions and set-up and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs and analyzes microscopy experiments, including fluorescent immunohistochemistry and live imaging of transgenic fish exposed to bioactive molecules.
• Performs molecular biology experiments (cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA isolation and sequencing) as well as generation of transgenic lines and CRISPR-Cas9 mutants.
• Evaluates research results and discusses outcomes with supervisors.
• Responsible for fish line maintenance, genotyping and identifying transgenic lines.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Assures compliance with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: This position works in laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals (zebrafish).

Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledgeable within one or more of the following subjects: Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology
• Strongly prefer previous experience with molecular biology, confocal microscopy, and/or working with zebrafish.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate with laboratory staff and investigators.
• Excellent organization skills.
• Ability to maintain complete and organized records/reports.
• Working knowledge of computer software and general lab equipment.

Minimum Requirements: Equivalent of Bachelor’s degree with two to three years of experience in laboratory operations.

Application Deadline: 2023-11-30