Summary

The St-Pierre lab (stpierrelab.com; Twitter: @StPierreLab) develops and applies new tools for monitoring and interrogating brain activity with millisecond-timescale temporal resolution. We seek an energetic team member to lead our efforts to characterize and apply new light-responsive proteins in vitro and in vivo. The successful candidate would work on two types of tools: (1) genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), fluorescent biosensors that report voltage as changes in brightness, and (2) optogenetic silencers, light-gated channels that inhibit neuronal firing. Characterization of these tools requires simultaneous electrophysiological recordings and optical excitation/imaging. This position provides exciting opportunities to work with the latest optical technologies and develop new skills in two-photon voltage imaging, protein engineering, and synthetic biology.

Job Duties

• Documents results of experiments and reports to the principal investigator.
• Supervises, schedules and coordinates the activities of less experienced research staff.
• Cultures mammalian cells.
• Prepares brain slices, dissociated neurons, or both.
• Conducts experiments that combine electrophysiology and either optogenetic activation or optical imaging (multi-photon fluorescence microscopy).
• Maintains an electrophysiological rig, and troubleshooting if needed.
• Analyzes data using commercial software or customized data pipelines.
• Teaches techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab.
• Communicates research results in group meetings, national or international conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong track of publications.