Research Specialist I (Lab)

Requisition # 2026-21793

Date Posted 17 hours ago(5/5/2026 10:10 AM)

Department: Princeton Neuroscience Inst

Category: Research and Laboratory

Job Type: Full-Time

Name of Lab: Pena Lab

Overview

The Pena lab primarily studies the molecular mechanisms of brain development and the impact of stress across the lifespan, using a mouse model. This position will support the lab generally through administrative and mouse colony work, and collaborate to support individual projects in the lab with the chance to earn authorship on manuscripts.

This is a 1-yr term position with the possibility of extension dependent upon performance and continued funding

Responsibilities

• Mouse breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance
• Histology: slicing tissue, staining tissue (protein immunohistochemistry or RNA FISH), microscopy, and/or cell culture support
• Oversee ordering of mice and lab supplies
• Maintain records, liaison to university regulatory oversight
• Background reading
• Equipment maintenance and management as needed

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

BA or equivalent in neuroscience or a related field.

• be extremely organized, have high attention to detail
• work well with others, be able to work independently with some direction after training, ask questions when necessary, and have an interest in understanding the brain. Enthusiasm to learn is essential.
• experience handling mice and some basic molecular biology experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• experience in tissue slicing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization (FISH, HRC, RNAscope) and/or cell culture.
• prior experience in record-keeping

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours 36.25

Eligible for Overtime Yes

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) No

Physical Capacity Exam Required No

Valid Driver's License Required No

Salary Range $41,000 to $60,000