Research Associate - Electrophysiology and Voltage Imaging

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, TX

ID: 7127796 (Ref.No. 14986-en_US)
Posted: March 11, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Summary

The St-Pierre lab develops and applies new tools for monitoring and interrogating brain activity with millisecond-timescale temporal resolution. We seek an energetic team member to lead our efforts to characterize and apply new light-responsive proteins in vitro and in vivo. The Research Associate will work on two types of tools: (1) genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), fluorescent biosensors that report voltage as changes in brightness, and (2) optogenetic silencers, light-gated channels that inhibit neuronal firing. Characterization of these tools requires simultaneous electrophysiological recordings and optical excitation/imaging. This position provides exciting opportunities to work with the latest optical technologies and develop new skills in two-photon voltage imaging, protein engineering, and synthetic biology.

https://www.bcm.edu/people-search/francois-st-pierre-31095

Job Duties

  • Culture mammalian cells
  • Prepare brain slices, dissociated neurons, or both
  • Conduct experiments that combine electrophysiology and either optogenetic activation or optical imaging (multi-photon fluorescence microscopy)
  • Maintain reagent and tool supply related to the experiments
  • Maintain an electrophysiological rig, and troubleshooting if needed
  • Analyze data using commercial software or customized data pipelines
  • Teach techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab
  • Communicate research results in group meetings, national or international conferences

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Basic Science or a related field.  Experience in lieu of degree will not be accepted.
  • Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD
  • Experience with electrophysiology

 

 

Baylor College of Medicine requires employees to be fully vaccinated -subject to approved exemptions-against vaccine-preventable diseases including, but not limited to, COVID-19 and influenza.

 

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

 14986

CA; SN 



Baylor College of Medicine fosters diversity among its students, trainees, faculty and staff as a prerequisite to accomplishing our institutional mission, and setting standards for excellence in training healthcare providers and biomedical scientists, promoting scientific innovation, and providing patient-centered care. - Diversity, respect, and inclusiveness create an environment that is conducive to academic excellence, and strengthens our institution by increasing talent, encouraging creativity, and ensuring a broader perspective. - Diversity helps position Baylor to reduce disparities in health and healthcare access and to better address the needs of the community we serve. - Baylor is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding students, trainees, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds by providing a welcoming, supportive learning environment for all members of the Baylor community.