The Haber lab seeks a scientifically minded individual with excellent organizational and analytic skills to join our group as a technical research assistant (RA). Working under the general supervision of a Research Fellow, Instructor, and/or Principal Investigator and following established policies and procedures, the RA will assist in research focused on understanding the postnatal development of circuits that underlie the reward system and decision-making. These studies focus specifically on brain regions in which abnormal connectivity has been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and addiction.The successful candidate will conduct a variety of combined microscopy/histological analyses with quantitative and computational pipelines to delineate and model pathways and connections between brain regions in the adult brain and during postnatal development. Applicants should have a strong interest in preclinical and translational neuroscience. Good computational skills and basic/intermediate proficiency in Python, Matlab, or similar are preferred.Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and transcripts.The Haber lab is a translational neuroscience laboratory that uses a multidisciplinary approach to delineate anatomic connections of the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and basal ganglia that underlie motivation and decision-making. We use this data to develop connectivity profiles in the human brain, with a particular focus on how circuit abnormalities are related to specific connections in obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, and depression. We use a combination of anatomic tracing data, computational tools, and imaging (diffusion MRI and resting state MRI in both animals and humans) to model neural network interactions. The successful applicant will join a vibrant and collaborative laboratory and scientific community at McLean Hospital.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform a variety of routine tests following established methodologies Prepare and maintain tissue cultures Record data; summarize and analyze results using basic statistic Prepare lab reagents, chemicals, instruments and equipment May prepare radioactive and non-radioactive samples for lipid analysis May perform independent literature searches as directed May assist in the basic design and modification of protocolsSKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Computer literacy Knowledge of research protocols Ability to methodically record data and to analyze data using statistics Good interpersonal skills; detail oriented Ability to demonstrate professionalism Ability to perform routine tests and to prioritize workQualificationsEDUCATION: BA or BS (required)EXPERIENCE: Some lab experience desirable but not required Undergraduate coursework or projects may be considered as appropriate experience and may be credited upon hire
