Job Description:
Summary:
The Research Assistant will assist the lab in making progress toward its experimental goals. This position will have four major duties: 1) performing and assisting lab members on molecular biology experiments, especially pertaining to cell-extraction for transcriptomic experiments, 2) analyzing and interpreting transcriptomic data, 3) coordinating cell-extraction and transcriptomic experiments across multiple labs, and 4) Drosophila husbandry, maintenance and genetics.
The Kaun Laboratory uses molecular and genetic tools available in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the neural substrates of memory, reward, and addiction at the molecular and cellular level. The Laboratory's goal is to develop the fly as a model to study more complex behavioral aspects associated with addiction. A multi-tiered approach is used to understand the genes, molecules, and neural circuits underlying these complex behaviors. A combination of molecular biology and bioinformatics is utilized to understand the molecular mechanisms through which memory circuits respond to drugs of abuse. An interdisciplinary approach is used that combines molecular genetics with behavioral analysis to understand the in vivo mechanism of memories at the level of individual circuits and their component cells.
This is a fixed term position with a current end date of one year from hire which may be extended based upon available funding.
Job Qualifications:
Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related science (grade 7 & grade 8)
• Required: Prior related experience or extensive coursework related to basic knowledge of laboratory approaches and techniques in the areas of neurobiology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry (grade 7)
• Required: 1-2 years experience working in an organized biology research laboratory in the areas of neurobiology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry (grade 8)
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job Competencies

• Knowledge of experimental planning and design
• Knowledge of cell-extraction for the purpose of transcriptomic experiments
• Familiarity with cloning for the purpose of generating transgenic lines and use of CRISPR/Cas9 for making transgenic animals
• Ability to perform or willingness to learn bioinformatics
• Proficiency in cell-type specific multi-omic experiments, molecular cloning, nucleic acid and protein extraction from cells and tissue, and genome database analysis is required
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Possesses a willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive campus community
• Ability to collaborate on projects
• Dependability and accuracy in work

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION CHECK REQUIRED
Recruiting Start Date:
2023-08-07
Job Posting Title:
Research Assistant
Department:
Department of Neuroscience
Grade:
Grade 7
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type :
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
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As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.