RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Ran Lab

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POSITION TITLE:  Research Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Research has open positions in the new lab of Dr. Chen Ran. We are interested in understanding, on the cellular, circuit, and systems levels, the neural basis of interoception, i.e., how the brain receives signals from the visceral organs within the body to generate our internal senses. We seek to unravel how the nervous system detects mechanical, chemical, and thermal stimuli from the periphery to synthesize our internal sensations, including satiety, hunger, nausea, hypoxia, and visceral pain. We use state-of-the-art in vivo functional imaging, electrophysiological recordings, mouse genetics, neuronal activity manipulation, animal behavior, and computational approaches (Ran et al., Nature, 2022). Through our research, we will reveal fundamental principles governing how the brain encodes and processes information. This will, in turn, pave the way for the development of novel therapeutics for various diseases, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, indigestion, eating disorders, pulmonary diseases, nausea, visceral pain, and infection-induced sickness behaviors. Find out more from our group website: https://www.ran-lab.org/. We encourage individuals who are seeking to gain intensive 2-3 year research experience prior to applying to PhD programs or medical schools. This position involves  rigorous training in science and individualized mentorship. Just to note, previous technicians and undergraduate trainees of Dr. Ran were successful in graduate/medical school applications and were accepted into top-tier programs (Stanford, UCSD, Columbia, and others). 

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

• The successful candidate will work directly with the principal investigator and collaborate with existing lab members or new hires as needed to advance the project, be listed as co-authors on publications and gain valuable bench-side and analytical experience in a fast-paced research environment.
• In addition, this candidate will oversee the day-to-day workings of the lab and is in charge of space allocation, equipment maintenance, and overall lab safety.
• The ideal candidate will perform these duties smoothly while handling additional matters as they arise.
• Participate in team meetings for experimental planning and review.
• Perform experiments.
• Document and analyze experimental data
• Troubleshoot, provide oral and written reports of experiments.
• Genotype and maintain mouse colonies.
• Provide support with general laboratory maintenance and compliance with health and safety policies, and help to train, supervise, and mentor junior staff as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• Requires 1-3 years experience. Candidates possessing a Master’s degree, 0-2 years experience required
• Energetic, bright, and highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, physiology, or psychology are especially encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. 
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $20.07 to $25.06 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice.   Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO STATEMENT:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.