Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The Research Technician will support neuroscience research investigating the neural circuits underlying behavior using in vivo imaging, behavioral experiments, stereotaxic surgery, viral approaches, and histological methods. The position will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other laboratory members to conduct experiments, maintain animal colonies, process tissue, and support the day-to-day operation of ongoing research projects. Essential Job Duties Stereotaxic surgery and experimental preparation Perform and assist with mouse stereotaxic surgeries, including intracranial viral injections, implantation of optical components such as cranial windows, GRIN lenses, optical fibers, and related experimental preparations. Provide pre-operative and post-operative animal care according to approved animal protocols. In vivo imaging and behavioral experiments Assist with and perform neuroscience experiments involving two-photon imaging, miniscope imaging, behavioral assays, and other optical or physiological recording approaches. Prepare animals and experimental equipment, collect data, and monitor experimental quality. Histology and tissue processing Perform animal perfusion, brain extraction, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence imaging, and anatomical verification of viral expression and implant placement. Maintain accurate records linking histological results with individual experimental animals. Mouse colony management and genotyping Assist with maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, identification, genotyping, and organization of animal records. Coordinate experimental animal availability with researchers and laboratory animal-care staff. Experimental data processing and documentation Organize, annotate, and perform initial quality control and basic analysis of imaging, behavioral, and histological datasets. Maintain clear experimental records, protocols, inventories, and electronic data files to ensure reproducibility and efficient collaboration with the laboratory. General laboratory and research support Prepare reagents and surgical materials, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, manage research supplies, and assist with development or optimization of experimental procedures. Work collaboratively with laboratory members and help train new personnel in relevant laboratory techniques when appropriate. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Minimum of 3 years of laboratory research experience in neuroscience, biology, or a related biomedical field. Experience working with experimental animals, particularly rodents. Minimum of 3 years of experience performing mouse stereotaxic surgery and intracranial viral injections. Minimum of 3 years of experience with cranial-window, GRIN-lens, optical-fiber, or related neural implant procedures. Familiarity with viral-vector-based neural circuit approaches, including AAV-mediated gene delivery. Basic experience with neuroscience data organization, imaging processing, or quantitative analysis using software such as ImageJ/Fiji, Python, MATLAB, or related tools. Ability to learn and perform technically demanding experimental procedures with accuracy and consistency. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to maintain accurate experimental and animal records. Ability to follow established laboratory protocols and institutional animal-care and safety requirements. Ability to work independently after training while also functioning effectively as part of a collaborative research team. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with in vivo fluorescence imaging, particularly two-photon microscopy and/or miniscope calcium imaging. Experience with mouse perfusion, brain sectioning, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and anatomical verification of experimental preparations. Experience maintaining transgenic mouse colonies and performing PCR-based genotyping. Experience conducting behavioral neuroscience experiments. Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex experimental procedures and troubleshoot technical problems with minimal supervision. Required Documents Resume
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