Research Assistant | Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior

Organization Overview

The Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior takes advantage of the relatively simple nervous system of the fruit fly Drosophila to examine how flexibility is engineered into the nervous system to give rise to adaptive behaviors, at the level of both individuals and species. We examine how learning rapidly shapes neural pathways to allow each member of a species to respond appropriately to their unique experience of the world. We also consider how neural circuits are adapted over longer evolutionary time scales to give rise to species-specific behaviors. Our lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, from biochemistry to behavior, with the goal of revealing the neural basis for flexible behavior at high resolution.

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated electrophysiologist research assistant with expertise in ion channels and cellular electrophysiology to join our team. This position bridges electrophysiology, systems neuroscience, and behavior, offering a unique opportunity to investigate sensory processing from the level of purified receptors to neural circuits and behavior.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in electrophysiological techniques, particularly single-channel recording and patch-clamp electrophysiology. The successful applicant will apply these approaches to the study of sensory receptors while expanding into complementary methodologies, including in vivo recording techniques to examine sensory processing within its native cellular and circuit context.

This role is well suited for candidates interested in combining rigorous biophysical approaches with neuroscience and behavior to address fundamental questions about sensory function.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and employ electrophysiological approaches (single-channel and whole cell recording methods) on sensory receptors and neurons.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including structural biologists, neuroscientists, and computational chemists, to integrate findings into broader research objectives.
• Contribute to publications and presentations detailing novel findings.
• Actively engage in learning and implementing in vivo recording methods to expand research skills and project capabilities.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and planning sessions.
• Perform general lab maintenance and support duties as needed.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, organization, multi-tasking, and fast learning

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. in biology or Neurobiology is required.
• Extensive experience with single-channel, bilayer, or patch-clamp electrophysiology techniques.
• A proven ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and software proficiency in electrophysiological data analysis.
• A demonstrated commitment to learning new methodologies, particularly in vivo recording techniques, to expand research scope and impact.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer - veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $50,000.00/Yr.

Compensation Range: Max

USD $55,000.00/Yr.