Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant Full-time

Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant

Dr. Lyndsey Kirk studies the synaptic basis of age-related cognitive decline and dementia, combining animal behavior, imaging, and molecular biology to understand how synapses change across the aging brain. A core focus of the lab is serial-section electron microscopy-based 3D reconstruction of neural circuits, integrated with behavioral data.

This position offers hands-on training across multiple techniques (EM tissue processing and image reconstructions, light microscopy, and animal behavior) and the opportunity to contribute to ongoing publications and grant-funded projects.

Initial assignment will be for one year. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding. This position is for 32 weekly hours.

The University of Texas at Austin offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time benefits eligible staff positions. More information here: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits

Purpose

The candidate will assist with wet lab experiments and general lab maintenance, support animal behavior experiments, and perform serial section electron microscopy-based 3D reconstruction of neural circuits.

Responsibilities

• Perform serial-section electron microscopy-based 3D reconstruction and synaptic/circuit annotation of neural tissue using PyReconstruct.
• Execute rodent behavior experiments, and maintain associated husbandry, protocols, and data records.
• Perform light microscopy-based labeling and imaging, including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and super-resolution (dSTORM) microscopy, to characterize synaptic and cell-type-specific molecular markers, in some cases correlated with electron microscopy datasets.
• Perform statistical analysis and data visualization (Python/R) of behavioral and imaging data, and assist with training and mentoring undergraduate researchers.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with serial-section electron microscopy-based 3D reconstruction software (e.g., PyReconstruct) preferred.
• Experience conducting animal behavior research.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for statistical analysis and data visualization.
• One or more years of laboratory research experience (undergraduate research experience is acceptable).

Salary Range

$38,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest