AddressThe Shepherd lab studies brain circuits in mice, particularly those relating to motor and somatosensory systems and functions of the forelimb, hand, and jaw, particularly as they relate to natural forms of dexterous behavior (www.shepherdlab.net). We seek candidates with solid undergraduate training in quantitative sciences such as neuroscience, cell/molecular biology, and/or engineering and physics, or equivalent. Main responsibilities are to conduct experiments that could involve: surgical procedures on mice, fluorescence microscopy, brain sample preparation, in vitro and/or in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral testing, optical imaging, data analysis, and computer programming. The projects and duties can to some extent be tailored to the skills and interests of the applicant.
Standard expectations for the position also include: Conducts experimental research lab work and related data analysis and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, good laboratory practices.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
- Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
Animal:
- Dissections
- Surgical procedures
Histology:
- Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining
- Immunohistochemistry Microscopy
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Demonstrated laboratory experience;
- Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
- Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
- Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
- Manual dexterity.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in biology, neuroscience, engineering fields, or similar
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Basic research and STEM skills in some combination of areas including quantitative data analysis, molecular biology, electrophysiology, optical imaging, instrumentation, animal surgical techniques, viral labeling.
- Proficiency in programming (Matlab, Python, Arduino) preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with molecular biology and methods (cloning etc) preferred but not required.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.31 to $27.16 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
