Research Assistant I - Laboratory of Dr. Eiman Azim

The Research Assistant I position will support ongoing research projects utilizing molecular and genetic tools to study neural circuits that underlie the acquisition, refinement, execution, and adaptation of skilled movement. Primary responsibilities will include conducting sensorimotor behavioral training for mice on assays designed in the lab, and performing stereotaxic mouse surgeries for circuit tracing, optogenetics, and in vivo electrophysiology. Additional duties will include assisting with histology and data analysis.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Stereotaxic mouse surgeries

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  • Perform intracranial and intraspinal injections with high precision and accuracy for delivery of viral vectors into brain regions of study.
  • Perform surgical implantation procedures in preparation for behavioral assays and in vivo recordings.
  • Maintain surgical equipment and supplies for the lab.
  • Maintain detailed surgical records.
  • Maintain high standards of sterility and both pre- and post-operative care.
  
  
  
  

• Sensorimotor behavioral assays

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  • Perform routine handling and operant training of mice on forelimb sensorimotor learning tasks using positive reinforcement.
  • Work closely with researchers to train and prepare animals for in vivo behavioral and electrophysiology experiments.
  • Perform routine checks to maintain and troubleshoot mechanical and electronic components on behavioral systems.
  • Maintain detailed training and animal care records.
  
  
  
  

• Histology and imaging

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  • Perform perfusions, dissections, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence imaging for histological verification.
  
  
  
  

• Data processing and analysis

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  • Routinely execute pre-processing pipelines on datasets using code developed by the lab (Python, MATLAB).
  • Assist with the development and refinement of existing data analysis code.
  • Analyze histological images using open-source tools (Fiji/ImageJ).
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
  
  
  
  

What we Require

• No professional experience required.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills preferred: MATLAB and/or Python, Conda GitHub, Common office software (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Etc.)
• Other skills required (preferred):
  
  
  
  • Prior experience working with mice in a research environment.
  • Ability to learn and carry out new procedures accurately and efficiently.
  
  
  
  

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.