Summary

The St-Pierre Lab develops fluorescent biosensors and light-gated channels to image and control neural activity, respectively. For example, see our recent publication in Cell for an exciting new voltage indicator for recording electrical dynamics in awake behaving mice (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.07.013). We also develop optogenetic silencers, synthetic circuits to control protein expression, and new high-throughput methods to map phenotypes to genotypes. We are looking for a motivated, organized, and resourceful scientist with either: (1) expertise in molecular cloning to accelerate our efforts to build and disseminate these tools of broad utility, or (2) expertise in managing a lab and ensuring smooth operations. The Research Assistant II should be detail oriented and have superior organizational skills.

Job Duties

• Use molecular biology techniques to assemble new gene expression vectors, construct large mutagenesis libraries, and transfect libraries in mammalian cells.
• Evaluates the expression and function of new constructs by microscopy, cytometry (FACS), or both.
• Disseminates our tools to collaborating laboratories and follow up to get feedback/data.
• Trains new staff on how to conduct molecular biology experiments and use equipment.
• Conducts and communicate literature searches.
• Plans, directs and conducts research experiments.
• Evaluates and analyzes data.
• Develops research techniques and performs applications required for specific research projects.
• Conducts literature searches and summarize information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Assists in grant preparation and development.
• Documents results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.
• Trains and orients less experienced research staff.
• Supervise, schedule and coordinate the activities of less experienced research staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. 
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with tissue culture and passaging.
• Ability to routinely clone into plasmid vectors, including experience with; primer design, PCR, gel extraction, transformation and miniprepping.
• Ability to switch two or more DNA fragments in the same vector i.e via overlap PCR, In-Fusion or Gibson Assembly