Department/Unit:

Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutic

Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Salary Range: $18.00/hr. - $23.78/hr.

The Sleep and Sleep Disorders lab led by Drs. Rukhadze & Fenik (Meet Our Faculty | Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics | Albany Medical College (amc.edu)) is looking for motivated individuals to join our team as a research technician. Our lab investigates the neural mechanisms underlying sleep and sleep-related breathing disorders using systems neuroscience, molecular-genetic and neuroanatomical tools in young and aging transgenic mice.

The lab specializes in in vivo methodology in behaving animals and neuroanatomical approaches of tract tracing including sleep and upper airway muscle activity recordings, chemogenetics to selectively target specific neuronal groups to discover their function in state-dependent control of upper airway muscle activity, AAV-based ChR2 tracers for mapping axonal projections from specific group of neurons in transgenic mice, as well as the behavioral approaches to assess the cognitive functions in animal models of OSA. Research projects involve fluorescent or bright field imaging, histological processing of mouse brain tissue and immunohistochemistry and/or in situ hybridization for different neuronal markers, transgenic mice lines and mice exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Responsibilities:

• General lab maintenance, including to make lab solutions and reagents, maintain lab records, manage laboratory protocols and training records, manage biohazard waste, help with compliance protocols for Biosafety, EHS and IACUC, manage laboratory inventory, contact vendors for supply quotes, place and maintain records for lab orders.

• Maintain mouse colony (includes breed, wean, handle, genotype, inject, euthanize and perfuse mice).

• Perform molecular biological techniques including DNA analysis, PCR, running gels, and gel electrophoresis (for genotyping).

• Perform histology techniques such as brain sectioning (using a cryostat), cryoprotection, mounting sections onto mounting slides, counterstain/coverslip and histological assays including immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

• Perform microscopy analyses of brain histology assays including but not limited to counting neurons and axonal projections and imaging (confocal, fluorescent, bright field).

• Train undergraduate students and high school students and assist PhD students and postdocs with various surgical procedures on mice.

• Assist with data analysis and preparation of scientific reports and publications.

Requirements:

• Candidates must have a B.S. or B.A. in Neuroscience, Biology, or related discipline.

• Prior research experience (undergraduate labs, voluntary research experience) is a plus.

• This position calls for a hardworking, highly motivated, and organized individual with excellent oral and written skills.

• Willing to work on a different work schedule occasionally (e.g. work nights or weekends) to accommodate research needs.

• A research technician with an open and positive mindset should be able to work independently and as part of a team and enjoy interaction with colleagues to advance research projects.

• Scientific contributions will be recognized with authorship on manuscripts when possible.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!​

Albany Medical is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.

Albany Med is the centerpiece of medicine, research, and medical education in New York’s CapitalRegion and is the area's largest private employer with more than 10,000 employees.

Albany Med offers excellent career opportunities in a wide range of roles in both patient care andadministration. We value all our staff members and offer outstanding employee benefits including:

• Excellent health care coverage (http://albanymedcareers.com/benefits/employee-health-%20benefits/) with lower copays at most Albany Med providers.

• A wide array of services and programs to support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing (http://albanymedcareers.com/benefits/employee-advantages/)

Anchored in the state’s historic capital city, Albany Med offers a full range outpatient and inpatient careand is home to the region’s largest hospital, only Level 1 trauma center, and only children’s hospital. Thedowntown campus also offers opportunities at Albany Medical College.

Albany Med partners with Columbia Memorial Health, Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital to form the Albany Med Health System, serving more than three million people over 25 counties.