Organization Overview

The Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior takes advantage of the relatively simple nervous system of the fruit fly Drosophila to examine how flexibility is engineered into the nervous system to give rise to adaptive behaviors, at the level of both individuals and species. We examine how learning rapidly shapes neural pathways to allow each member of a species to respond appropriately to their unique experience of the world. We also consider how neural circuits are adapted over longer evolutionary time scales to give rise to species-specific behaviors. Our lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, from biochemistry to behavior, with the goal of revealing the neural basis for flexible behavior at high resolution.

Overview

The Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior is seeking a Research Assistant that will work as part of a small team to carry out structure-function studies of olfactory receptors.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and engineering expression vectors

• Receptor purification

• Functional and structural characterization of receptor odorant tuning

• Actively contribute to research projects, including supporting experiments and presentation of data in laboratory meetings.

• Perform lab maintenance duties as needed.

• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in biochemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, or a closely related field

• Comprehensive understanding of protein chemistry and biochemistry methodologies

• Detail-oriented, self-driven, and have excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills

• The ability to perform complex experiments with high reliability and accuracy with minimal supervision

• Experience with

• PCR

• Cloning

• Mammalian and insect tissue culture

• Baculovirus production

• Cell transfection and infection

• Affinity purification

• Protein electrophoresis (Native, SDS-PAGE, and western blot)

• Cell-based functional assays

Experience purifying recombinant proteins from heterologous expression systems, especially with membrane protein purification is highly desirable. Experience with cryo-electron microscopy, fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography, molecular modeling and protein structure predictions would be an asset but is not required. Ideal candidates will be incredibly organized, have a passion for scientific discovery and advancement, and a strong commitment to learning and growing professionally within the lab for at least 2 years before moving on to their next opportunity.

The Rockefeller University is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $46,000.00/Yr.

Compensation Range: Max

USD $50,000.00/Yr.

Job Locations US-NY-New York

Category Science

Position Type Regular Full-Time