Research Lab Specialist Senior/Intermediate / Brain Slice Electrophysiology

The Laboratory of Dr. Catherine Kaczorowski at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly organized and skilled research laboratory specialist in genetic mechanisms that promote resilience to AD at the cellular level. The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for performing patch-seq experiments using brain slice electrophysiology to measure intrinsic and synaptic plasticity in mice resilient to developing cognitive deficits despite harboring causal mutations (see Neuner et al., 2019, Neuron). This role requires a high level of self-motivation and organization, along with the ability and willingness to acquire new skills. The candidate must be capable of working independently as well as in a team environment. The Kaczorowski lab is a collaborative team, with leadership that values supporting high-quality training, opportunities for travel by presenting and conferences, and recognition for contributions with authorship on publications and opportunities for career development.

The Kaczorowski lab is in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI) continues to be a leader in innovative, collaborative, and visionary research in the areas of brain science and brain impacting diseases. MNI's cross-disciplinary research portfolio reflects the full range of basic and translational projects from molecular analyses to animal models to human applications.

The successful candidate will be able to plan, develop, execute, and analyze an independent research project in the context of a supportive lab and institutional environment. In addition, they will help train undergraduate research assistants and junior technicians in the lab. We are looking for someone who has the aptitude to learn new techniques, works well with others, and possesses strong critical thinking skills.

• Uses patch clamp electrophysiology in acute brain slices to record neuronal activity and measure intrinsic and synaptic plasticity, fill and label neurons for subsequent morphological characterization, and preserve nuclei for subsequent transcriptomics.
• Proactively identifies problems, troubleshoots, and analyzes variations observed and reported in regular testing protocols; develops, modifies, refines, or adapts techniques and procedures; modifies and/or adjusts quality control measures.
• Monitors documentation of results; reviews and recognizes documentation which may lead to modification and adaptation of research methodologies; may collaborate with others.
• Plans and monitors resources needed to operate the laboratory; maintains chemical inventory.
• Leads exchange of research information through demonstration and instruction.
• Assists with the creation of posters, manuscripts, and presentations for meetings and grants.
• Is organized, responsible, and reports results clearly and efficiently to supervisor.
• Records all information, daily, in an official electronic laboratory notebook.

Required Qualifications

• Intermediate level: Bachelor's degree in a related field and 4+ years of experience.
• Senior level: Masters degree preferred and 5+ years of experience.
• All levels require ability to work flexible shifts (evening/weekend/holiday)