Research Scientist II

The Research Scientist II will be responsible for studying the means by which neurons control mitochondria to support the energy requirements of neurotransmission, and the mechanisms which fail when mitochondria become involved in neuropathologies. Specifically, the candidate will be expected to create transgenic and CRISPR/Cas9 engineered Drosophila as an approach to elucidating the mechanisms that control mitochondrial association with the plasma membrane, and the roles that these mechanisms might play in aging and disease. The candidate is expected to spend as much as 75% of their time planning/conducting experiments, analyzing data and describing the research in manuscripts. As a senior member of the laboratory, the candidate might spend up to 25% of their time engaged in lab managerial activities and training more junior lab members. • Proficient research skills, which must include an ability to effectively manipulate the genome of Drosophila to test hypotheses in the context of neurophysiology and neuropathology.

• Solid analytical skills and attention to detail; ability to read literature and understand its content with an analytic mind.

• Ability to independently work on research assignments and initiate new projects, on the basis of discussions with the principal investigator.

• Ability to train students and technicians, and play a leadership role in day-to-day lab operations.

• Excellent written skills and the ability to guide the assembly of research manuscripts.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Ability to multi-task, and prioritize work assignments.

• Strong computer skills, including an advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or Power Point software applications.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all work performed.

• Ability to give oral presentation of experimental results in lab meetings and research conferences.

• Ability to review journal manuscripts and provide critiques.

• Education: Ph.D.

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of research experience (post terminal degree completion) in the use of Drosophila as a model organism for neurophysiological research. The candidate must be familiar with a range of Drosophila preparations: primary cell culture, larval fillet preparation and intact larval and adult stages in the context of "behavioral" assays. The candidate should have an advanced appreciation of genomics as it relates to human neurological disease, and be able to cross reference with Drosophila genetic databases. The candidate must have experience in, or, at least appreciate, the full scope of activities and planning that facilitate the continuous and efficient operation of a Drosophila neurophysiological laboratory in 2024. The candidate must also have experience writing manuscripts and mentoring students and technicians. Additional experience in the use of confocal microscopy for both imaging of fluorophores in live cells and immuno-histochemistry is desired.