Lab Technician (Laboratory Research Assistant)

Department Information

The Linda and Jack Gill Institute for Neuroscience was established to advance the understanding of complex brain processes and to train next generation scientists in state-of-the-art approaches in the field of neuroscience. The Gill Institute brings together multidisciplinary teams of world-class faculty interested in understanding brain functions under physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, the Gill Institute provides training to graduate students from a range of disciplines in the use and development of measurement techniques and instrumentation, as well as an opportunity for undergraduate students to be involved in cutting-edge research projects. It also provides a platform for interaction with industry in order to identify important problems and to commercialize advances. Finally, the Gill Institute widely disseminates advances in neuroscience methods.

Job Summary

A person in this role will join a friendly and motivated team with interests in network neuroscience using behavioral tests and electrophysiology.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory maintenance.
• Manages annual inspections.
• Handles live animals (mice).
• Manages mice breeding, brain tissue processing, including perfusion and brain slice preparation and immunohistochemistry.

General Responsibilities

• Conduct tests across a diverse array of assays using laboratory machinery and computer programs.
• Tests and sets up lab equipment.
• Collects data and prepares reports based upon established protocols.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings.
• Orders, receives, and inventories laboratory supplies.
• Cleans glassware and maintains laboratory work areas.
• Troubleshoots breakdowns, performs preventive maintenance, and calls for repairs as needed.
• Maintains logs and equipment record books.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE Required

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting. OR
• Associate's degree and 4 years of experience in a laboratory setting.

WORK EXPERIENCE Preferred

• Previous research experience in neuroanatomical techniques

SKILLS Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Possesses a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to build strong customer relationships.

SKILLS Preferred

• Maintains strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail.
• Possesses strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting with minimal supervision as part of a research team.

Working Conditions / Demands

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

Applications received by June 15th, 2026 will receive full consideration