Research Assistant | Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Organization Overview

The Heintz laboratory investigates the molecular logic that governs cellular function and dysfunction in the mammalian cerebrum. While classical neuroanatomy has defined the structural complexity of the brain with remarkable precision, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate cell-to-cell interactions and maintain cerebral architecture remain incompletely understood. Our work focuses on uncovering these mechanisms at cell-type resolution, with a particular emphasis on how their disruption contributes to neurodegenerative disease. We integrate advanced genomic, epigenomic, and cell isolation approaches to study human brain tissue directly, enabling mechanistic insight into disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support projects dissecting the circuitry and synaptic mechanisms of motivated behavior in animal models. The successful candidate will contribute to animal colony management, behavioral testing, histology, and immunostaining, and will work closely with senior lab members on ongoing experiments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage a transgenic animal colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record keeping in compliance with institutional animal care guidelines.
• Perform perfusion, brain extraction, tissue processing, cryo‐ or vibratome sectioning, immunostaining, mounting, fluorescence imaging, and image quantification to visualize neuronal populations and activity markers.
• Conduct and assist with behavioral assays in mice (e.g., reward- and avoidance‐based paradigms), including setup, running, and basic analysis of behavior.
• Maintain detailed electronic records of experimental procedures, animal lines, and results; contribute to data organization and quality control.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings, journal clubs, and training sessions; assist with general lab maintenance and ordering as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field
• Prior experience working in a research laboratory and some familiarity with animal handling or behavioral experiments strongly preferred.
• Comfort working with rodents and readiness to learn new behavioral and surgical techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records and follow standard operating procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with animal colony management (breeding, genotyping) and behavioral testing.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, confocal or widefield fluorescence imaging, and basic image analysis.
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology (PCR, DNA/RNA handling) and quantitative data analysis.