Research Technician Neuroscience

Research Technician - Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics

The Stephens lab is a behavioral neuroendocrinology lab that examines the interaction of hormones, biological sex, the brain, and behavior. Our research lab has several areas of focus:

• We examine how the brain regulates puberty onset, adult fertility, and reproductive hormone secretion and how the brain and reproductive events differ between males and females. Our goal is to identify novel causes and/or therapeutic targets for infertility and reproductive disorders in both sexes.
• We hypothesize that adolescence/puberty is a critical time during brain development when biological and life events can permanently change the brain and behavior. Our research examines how reproductive hormones and other genetic factors are critical for normal development of the brain, reproductive physiology, and behavior. We also examine how disruptions during development, such as exposure to drugs, can cause permanent and sex-specific changes in the brain and adult social behavior. Our goal is to better understand the genetic and neuroanatomical changes during development and the long-term consequences of disruptions during brain development.

Job Duties:

Under minimal supervision, the laboratory technician will perform research experiments involving molecular and physiological analyses of neuroendocrinology and behavior in rodent models. The technician will also assist lab members with experiments and help to manage the rodent colony, including compliance with ACUP and IACUC policies. Required animal duties include, but are not limited to: health checks, breeding rodents, handling rodents, collecting blood samples, injections, surgical procedures, euthanizing rodents, tissue sample collection, and executing rodent studies under the direction of the supervisor with minimal technical supervision. Additional required duties include but are not limited to: Performing molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA extractions, DNA analysis (genotyping), RT-PCR, qPCR, cloning, running gels, and transcription reactions. Making lab solutions and reagents. Performing histology techniques such as brain and tissue collection, brain tissue cutting onto slides (using a cryostat), and preparation of brain tissue samples for microscopy analysis. Assist lab personnel in the running of histological assays on brain tissue, such as in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Perform microscopy analyses of brain histology assays. Analyze data and help design future experiments. The position also involves directly training student researchers, performing general lab maintenance, managing lab inventory and ordering supplies, acting as a liaison between the lab and different departments, managing laboratory protocols and compliance documents, and helping to manage biohazard waste and radioactivity compliance. The technician must be willing to: 1) perform experiments involving the handling, dissection, and euthanasia of laboratory rodents; 2) work with radioactive isotopes, recombinant DNA, biohazardous research materials, and toxic research chemicals; and 3) vary work schedule (e.g. work nights or weekends) to accommodate research needs.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that: Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.

Key skills/competency

• Neuroscience Research
• Rodent Models
• Molecular Biology
• Histology
• Behavioral Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Laboratory Management
• Research Protocol Compliance
• RNA/DNA Extraction
• RT-PCR/qPCR