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Apply for Job Job ID362478 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyResearch-Researchers Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code8352R2 Employee ClassCivil Service Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job The Fraser Lab at the University of Minnesota (https://www.fraserlab.net/) will open in September 2024 and is recruiting a full-time research technician to lead the establishment of the lab. As a part of the Department of Psychology we are involved in the greater neuroscience research community at the University of Minnesota which provides excellent access to training and professional development. The Fraser Lab is interested in the neurobiological basis of motivated behavior and investigates how defined brain circuits contribute to behavioral regulation. We make use of modern neuroscience approaches to record and manipulate neural activity in real-time as rodents perform complex behavioral tasks to relate precise aspects of neural activity to well-defined psychological processes. To do so, we regularly use optogenetics, chemogenetics, calcium imaging, biosensors, electrophysiology, and immunohistochemistry. Our ultimate goal is to decipher the neural mechanisms regulating behavior and to characterize how these are altered in psychiatric illness, such as addiction, or by differences in lived experience, such as after early life adversity, to potentially identify novel therapeutics. We seek a team member who can play a lead role in setting up the lab, collaborate closely with the PI, and engage in team-building and growth. Job Duties Include: Laboratory set-up, maintenance and operations (35%): Oversee the set-up and maintenance of laboratory equipment to support rodent research; conduct routine quality control audits to ensure equipment is in good-working order. Order laboratory equipment and supplies; liaise with Psychology accounting staff to arrange for purchase; coordinate delivery and set-up, as needed. Independently generate workflows for supply ordering, data management and infrastructure, and standard operating procedures for lab research. Independently prepare lab infrastructure and employees for lab safety and animal welfare inspections; conduct routine quality control audits to ensure compliance and safety. Independently onboard, train, and supervise undergraduate students in the lab. Ensure lab members adhere to university and federal safety regulations. Technical research support (35%): Independently oversee animal husbandry, including breeding and welfare (occasionally requiring work on weekends); maintain lab breeding records. Prepare solutions. Independently engage in rodent behavioral training. Assist with stereotaxic surgeries, necroscopy, brain sectioning, immunohisto- chemistry, and slide preparation and imaging. Independently oversee and maintain detailed laboratory records. Directed research (30%): Assist in designing research projects and experiments related to the neurobiological basis of motivation. Independently execute complex, multi-step experiments. Maintain detailed records of all experiments and protocols performed, and data, in laboratory notebooks and online databases. Organize and interpret experimental results. Develop computational skills for analysis and visualization of data. Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss progress and pitfalls. Review relevant scientific literature and present periodically in meetings or in writing. Qualifications Required Qualifications: BS/BA in neuroscience, psychology, biological sciences or related field or a combination of education and experience equal to 5 years. Strong organizational and communication skills, being detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work and contribute as part of a team. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be able to work on-site 5 days per week due to essential hands-on work Ability to accommodate an at times flexible work schedule, including some hours in weekends or evenings, as needed Pre erred Qualifications: Prior experience with behavioral or systems neuroscience research Familiarity with python or MATLAB Some research experience with rats or mice About the Department About the Department of Psychology The Department of Psychology is one of the largest departments within the College of Liberal Arts, and is a highly ranked department nationally. Currently, the department has 46 core faculty, 70+ staff, 140 graduate students, and it supports the largest number of undergraduate majors of any academic program on the UMN Twin Cities campus. Additionally, the department has $40 million or more in active research funding at any given time (the majority from NIH), spread across 70 or more projects. In its 100 plus year history, the Department of Psychology has been marked by distinction and excellence. For additional information, please go to our website: psych.umn.edu. About the College of Liberal Arts Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million. CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA Working in CLA The Benefits of Working at the U Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.