Research Specialist, GECI Job in Ashburn, Virginia Us
Research Specialist, GECI
Reports to:
Project Scientist
Job Summary:
Janelia Farm Research Campus (Janelia) supports large, multidisciplinary, high-risk, high-reward projects in neurobiology and imaging. The GECI (Genetically-Encoded Calcium Indicator) project produces hundreds to thousands of molecular constructs per year, with the goal of creating highly sensitive (single action-potential resolution) calcium indicators, to increase the sensitivity and resolution of imaging and analysis of functional neural systems. Constructs are screened in tissue culture assays. Promising candidates are then calibrated and tested in vivo in transgenic Drosophila and other model systems.
The Research Specialist will be a hands-on researcher, responsible for taking promising hits from earlier phase screening efforts, characterizing their performance and potential toxicity in vivo in Drosophila larvae and adults, and correlating GECI signal with electrophysiological recordings using electrical and/or sensory stimulation.
Principal Responsibilities:
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"Perform in vivo optical imaging in Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) using fluorescence microscopy. Stimulate activity at the NMJ using suction electrodes, image fluorescence responses, and use statistical analysis to correlate resulting GECI signal with action potentials."
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Perform simultaneous optical imaging and electrophysiology in the central brain of intact adult flies under sensory stimulation. Test GECI effects on normal responses of identified neurons, and correlate GECI signal with action potentials recorded using patch clamp recordings.
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Perform other related duties as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Neuroscience, Biophysics, or related discipline.
- 3-5 years experience with intracellular electrophysiology. Patch clamp recording experience a plus.
- Demonstrated experience with fluorescence microscopy and analysis techniques. Two-photon microscopy experience a plus.
- Significant experience with larval fly physiology. Experience with adult fly recordings a plus.
- Data analysis skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
Additional Information:
HHMI offers an exceptional compensation and benefits package including health care coverage on your first day, contributions to a retirement fund, eleven paid holidays, and a generous paid time off program. Please include a cover letter and three references with your resume. Please include the job title "GECI" and job number in the subject line. HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please email or send your resume to:
Lorraine Ross
Senior HR Generalist
19700 Helix Drive
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Fax:
E-mail: jfrcjobs@janelia.hhmi.org