Laboratory Research Technician IIUniversity of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

This job offer is no longer available

Laboratory Research Technician II

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

About

The Schwerdt Lab is seeking a Research Technician to assist in interdisciplinary neuroscience and engineering research, involving neurophysiological experiments in Rhesus monkeys, data collection and analysis, and fabrication of implantable sensors and devices. The Schwerdt Lab is focused on addressing questions about how dopamine and striatal circuits are involved in regulating movement, motivation, and decisions in health and in disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease). The lab applies multiple cutting-edge techniques (chronic electrochemistry, high-density electrophysiology such as Neuropixels, optical fiber photometry with fluorescent dopamine sensors) to measure neural activity in task-performing monkeys trained to perform eye or arm-reaching decision-making tasks to maximize rewards while learning the valence contingencies of various cues and contexts. The lab also works with neurosurgeons and clinicians to perform translational engineering and science to elaborate these dopamine functions in humans. Dopamine neurochemical recordings are done synchronously with electrophysiological neural recording (e.g., spikes and oscillations) to further elaborate the interactive dynamics between dopamine and neuronal activity and more accurately characterize behaviorally relevant neural activity patterns.
This position offers opportunities for growth and expansion of skills in advanced primate neurophysiology and brain activity mapping (e.g. electrochemistry, electrophysiology, microstimulation, neurosurgery, task design), microfabrication, and systems neuroscience. The individual is expected to work as a team with the principal investigator, other undergraduate and graduate students, and laboratory technicians. The individual will learn important research skills and have the opportunity to make contributions to the research projects including preparation and writing of manuscripts for scientific dissemination and designing experiments and neurotechnologies. The individual must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with other researchers, and with animal care and veterinary staff. The individual will also be responsible for ordering and managing the needed lab supplies for maintaining animal research operations.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Languages

English

Notice for Users

This job was posted by one of our partners. You can view the original job source here.

Find similar jobs