Laboratory Research Technician I

The Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking a research technician to conduct hearing research in animal models. The technician will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying normal and pathological hearing, with an emphasis on recovery following gene therapy for congenital hearing loss and/or noise-induced hearing loss. The research technician is expected to learn, conduct, and complete experiments in auditory neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and/or immunohistochemical experiments. The position offers the opportunity to develop expertise across a broad methodological range, including behavioral assays, immunohistochemistry, in vivo neural monitoring (one- and two-photon calcium imaging /optophysiology), and in vitro electrophysiology. Under the guidance of senior lab members, the technician will learn foundational and advanced concepts in hearing and auditory neuroscience while contributing to data collection, analysis, writing, and presentations, with opportunities for co-authorship on resulting publications.

A Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field with research experience is required. Wet lab, histology, and neurobiology experience is preferred but not required. The technician will troubleshoot experimental and technical problems and contribute recommendations to improve research efforts.

The technician will develop experience in these tasks and learn to handle mice in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to, laboratory maintenance, equipment testing and inspection, data management, report preparation, animal procurement, and ordering of laboratory supplies. The technician will be expected to gain a working knowledge of the laboratory and to operate all laboratory systems under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff.

The research technician is expected to learn, conduct, and complete experiments in auditory neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and/or immunohistochemical experiments. The technician is also expected to perform statistical analysis of the collected data and to prepare figures. In addition, the technician will troubleshoot experimental and technical problems and contribute recommendations to improve research efforts.