Title: Research Technician I
Title: Research Technician I
Location: Upper East Side
Org Unit: Appel Institute
Work Days: Monday-Friday
Weekly Hours: 35.00
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $22.03 - $24.78
*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices
Position Summary
Research Assistant position available, Zhuhao Wu Laboratory. Investigating the whole brain as a holistic system is a rising interest across broad neuroscience research, facilitating unbiased, high-throughput explorations from basic discovery to drug development. We have pioneered novel tissue clearing and imaging techniques (iDISCO family protocols, 1000+ citations) to visualize genetically/molecularly defined brain structures in 3D, and to elucidate how specific brain cells integrate and subserve circuitry- and system- level functions. With our technical expertise, we are funded to participate in several large-scale whole brain profiling and atlasing projects in the BRAIN Initiative Network, and to contribute to the future platforms of advanced brain research.
We are a vibrant and multidisciplinary team with complementary expertise, which enables us to pursue cutting-edge research spanning basic systematic profiling of the whole brain to pathological discovery in a range of neurological disorders. We employ multiple approaches, including genetics and modern 3D histology, cellular and molecular biology, multimodal imaging, and big-data analysis using AI/machine learning, to carry out studies in both animal models and human patient samples.
Our laboratory is in a new space at the Belfer Building, Weill Cornell Medicine, on the upper east side of NYC. It is surrounded by a rich research environment of the NYC Tri-Institutes (the Rockefeller University, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Weill Cornell College of Medicine) that we have extensive interactions and collaborations, among others in NYC and around the world. We aim to bridge basic scientific discovery to translational medicine with a focus on brain diseases, many of which do not have an effective therapeutic treatment yet due to the lack of systematic understanding. We are currently seeking research assistant candidates who are motivated in exploring and applying advanced technologies for high-impact research in the following directions:
1. Chemical engineering to improve tissue clearing, labeling, and imaging technique for diverse biomedical applications, with current focus on human brain tissues.
2. Comprehensive profiling of entire brain structures with defined genetic or molecular probes, to elucidate how these structures integrate at systems-level, and to facilitate mechanistic studies in development and disease.
3. Scaling and advancing computational approach to process large volume imaging datasets for efficient extraction and accurate quantification of 3D multi-modality information.
Job Responsibilities
- Prepares and maintains detailed records, logs and summary reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
- May be responsible for tissue & cell culture activities.
- May be responsible for animal husbandry, genotyping, surgeries, post-operative care, behavioral testing, sectioning and histology.
- May perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, protein and DNA electrophoresis, cloning and DNA preparation.
- May run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.
- May perform microscopic imaging analyses.
- May be responsible for the receipt, storage, cataloguing and shipment of samples within and between institutions.
- Ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
- Ensures that safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
- Analyzes data using computer software and reports results to the principal investigator(s).
- Provides technical support to faculty and staff including training of new employees, residents, postdoctoral associates, fellows and students.
- Participates in planning and carrying out experiments. Assists in preparing research protocols.
- Conducts library research and literature searches using various computer systems. Assists in editing scientific publications, abstracts and posters.
- Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment and/or reagents. May order supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately. Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery. May assist with cost control.
- Ensures that facilities and equipment are in optimal and proper working condition. Coordinates preventative maintenance and repairs as needed. May perform minor repairs if qualified and as needed. May advise on upgrades for performance enhancements.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Some bench lab related experience.
Minimum two-year commitment due to a substantial training effort associated with the position
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to plan and prioritize work while responding flexibly to rapidly changing priorities.
Licenses and Certifications
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Standard laboratory conditions.
Ability to work flexible hours.
This position may handle radioactive material and/or biologic materials from human subjects as required.
This position may require standing or sitting for long periods of time.
This role may require working within Biologic Safety Level 1, 2 and/or 3 facilities
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Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City