Research Specialist – Neuroscience

Research Technician         ·         San Diego       ·         Full time

Our lab at the Scintillon Institute is recruiting a research specialist to join a NIH-funded project to identify and define previously unknown components of the neural network that mediates food intake. The general aims of this project are to examine the molecular, anatomical and functional distinctions of neuronal subpopulations in subcortical and hindbrain feeding centers, and to delineate the connectivity and activity of identifiable networks.

In brief, our goal is to better understand the neural mechanisms that control food intake. Projects are aimed to:

• delineate distinctions in input-output connectivity of feeding circuits using conditional viral tracing, rabies virus and genetic fate-mapping,
• define the role of feeding circuits in food intake through optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation of discrete neuronal subpopulations,
• determine the activity profile of neural networks in freely moving mice during food intake using deep-brain imaging.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Utilize and develop viral/genetic mapping, neural manipulation, imaging and behavioral assays to characterize neural networks that control food intake.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S./B.A. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Physiology or the equivalent.
• Seeking a candidate with a strong desire to develop an independent research project.
• Experience with molecular biology, anatomy/histology, electrophysiology, imaging, murine genetics, and/or murine behavioral analysis is considered valuable, but not essential.

Please send CV and names of three references to chenlaboratory@gmail.com

• Date Posted: Posted on 29 April 2022
• Deadline: 31 August 2022
• Location: United States (US) San Diego