We are currently seeking a multifaceted, interested, well organized and curious Laboratory Manager in the systems neuroscience laboratory of Dr. Ilana Witten at Princeton University. The lab studies the neural circuitry underlying learning and decision-making, using electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral methods, with rodents as the model system.
A major challenge that makes learning difficult is that the world is complex and high dimensional: there are often multiple possible stimuli or actions to attribute to any outcome, and a gap in time between an event and its consequences. The lab brings new perspectives and technologies to understand how the brain overcomes these types of challenges.
The lab is also very interested in the ramifications of learning in a complex and high dimensional environment on the emergence of individual differences, including the origin of stress-related maladaptive states. More information on the lab can be found on the website https://wittenlab.org/
In this role, you will be a key contributor within the lab – serving as both the day-to-day operations ‘go-to’ person and as a main point of contact for those in the lab encountering challenges. You will be highly organized, have a genuine interest in neuroscience, and have a desire to support the lab’s goals.
The ideal candidate should have prior neuroscience research experience. The position will not only entail lab management but also involve directly performing neuroscience research, in the form of collaborating with grad students and postdocs on their projects and helping to perform critical experiments.
What we provide:
- A supportive lab environment focused on both the welfare of our people and the quality of our science.
- Opportunities to perform and master a wide variety of skills, including electrophysiology, histology, surgery, animal behavior, data analysis.
- Opportunities to attend talks and participate in a world-class neuroscience environment.
- Opportunities to mentor undergraduate researchers and help train the next generation of
- scientists.
- Opportunities to be included as an author on publications.
- A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
What you’ll do:
- Manage day-to-day activities within the research laboratory by ordering/maintaining supplies (including viruses and other reagents), and maintaining/replacing lab equipment as needed.
- Serve as our primary point of contact with IACUC & EHS, maintain the IACUC & EHS protocols and manage the IACUC inspections of the lab.
- Contribute to ongoing research through a combination of electrophysiological experiments (ex vivo or in vivo), neural surgeries, histological analyses, behavioral data collection and/or data analyses.
- Provide support for onboarding/orientation functions for new lab members.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree required, would be excited for someone with a Masters or PhD.
- An interest in scientific work, and the research being conducted by the lab.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to plan effectively.
- Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment.
- Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Electrophysiology experience (either in vitro or in vivo) is a major plus but not required.
- Experience in histology and/or tissue processing and imaging is a plus but not required.
- Experience in neural survival surgery is a plus but not required.
- Experience with in vivo imaging is a plus but not required.
- Experience with rodent behavior is a plus but not required.
Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$78,320.00 (minimum) – $97,900.00 (midpoint) – $127,270.00 (maximum)
Pay Type:
Annual
HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
