Research Assistant I

The Datta Lab in the Department of Neurobiology is seeking a Research Assistant to support research aimed at understanding how Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk genes influence the function of innate immune cells. Our work leverages an interdisciplinary toolkit—including tissue imaging, single-cell sequencing, and in vitro culture systems—to elucidate how these cells operate during the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Research Assistant will perform a variety of laboratory research tasks related to our projects investigating cell–cell interactions in tauopathy and their impact on disease progression. The work will be performed under specific direction, and the research assistant may be asked to perform familiar tasks independently. The ideal candidate is well organized and motivated, has strong communication skills, and works well with a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Handling and maintaining animal colonies, including colony tracking and genotyping.
• Carrying out behavioral and molecular experiments and research according to protocols given by lab members. This will include basic procedures such as brain slicing using a cryostat, staining for proteins using immunohistochemical techniques, identifying RNAs via in situ analysis, etc.
• Analyzing data and presenting results at lab meetings and during one-on-one meetings with the PI and direct supervisor.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory.
• The technician may also assist with broad lab support tasks (e.g. ordering supplies) as needed.