Research Assistant

The Yellen lab at Harvard Medical School Neurobiology is looking for a research technician. Our research is focused on understanding neuronal metabolism and how it is influenced by – and influences – neuronal activity and excitability. The lab develops tools for studying neural metabolism, including engineered proteins that function as fluorescent biosensors of metabolism, and we study the dynamics of metabolism in mouse brain using both ex vivo and in vivo imaging methods. We also work to learn the role of altered metabolism in preventing epileptic seizures, inspired by the ability of ketogenic diets to treat human epilepsy.

The successful candidate will work under close supervision by Dr Yellen and others in the lab to:

1) manage a moderate size mouse colony, including genotyping and performing mouse surgery (stereotactic injection of viral expression vectors);

2) perform molecular biology procedures including plasmid DNA preparation, PCR, subcloning, biochemical assays, bacterial expression of fluorescent proteins, and fluorescence analysis; and 

3) perform a small amount of tissue culture (cell line maintenance and transfection). 

There may also be the opportunity to do semi-independent projects on fluorescent biosensor development and/or biosensor imaging. The successful candidate should be well-organized, motivated, and a responsible team member.