Neuroscience - Laboratory Assistant

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant

Department: Neuroscience

Supervisor: Ms. Morgan Kline

Starting Rate of Pay: $10.00/hour

Length of Time: Eligible for rehire on a semester basis

Department Description

The Department of Neuroscience introduces students to the logic and knowledge base of the neurological sciences, providing hands-on opportunities for learning in the classroom, teaching laboratories, and through original research with faculty. Laboratory Assistants will have the opportunity to experience working in a laboratory setting under the supervision of departmental faculty and lab managers. Students will be working in the vivarium, caring for rodents.  Students will enrich their undergraduate education in the neurological sciences, and establishing a strong foundation for any original research, graduate schooling, or careers in the sciences they pursue in the future.

Job Location/ Hours Required

Laboratory Assistants will work closely with Lab Managers/Vivarium Coordinator to provide care for rodents in the vivarium, and they will also be handling/interacting with rodents frequently. Students may also be expected to prepare laboratory exercises for the Department’s teaching labs in the Wanek School of Natural Sciences, and to ensure that organized and safe laboratory conditions are maintained. This position requires a minimum commitment of 5 hours per week.  The total number of hours a student employee may work per week across campus is 20 hours.

Responsibilities:

• Complete a mandatory orientation/safety training session with supervisor and PI
• Care for vivarium specimens: including feeding, cage changes and cleaning, ect.
• Help to maintain a healthy environment for rodents in the vivarium
• Other miscellaneous laboratory duties as assigned by faculty and lab manager
• Students may be asked to preform care on weekends as well

Required Qualifications:

Students must be a Neuroscience major (related disciplines also considered) and have taken or are enrolled in BIO 1500 / 1501 to be considered for this position. Students may not have a rodent as a pet in their dorm/home that they interact with regularly. Competitive applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong work ethic, an interest in experiential learning, and a passion for neuroscience.

Desired Skills:

• Must have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA
• Comfortable around rodents/are not afraid of rodents
• Prior lab experience is preferred, but not necessary
• Strong communication and team-work skills
• Dependable to work the hours assigned

Applicants should be prepared to complete interviews via email after submission of application. Successful applicants will be expected to attend orientation / safety training upon hire.