Associate Research Scientist

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute (the Zuckerman Institute) brings together researchers to explore aspects of mind and brain, through the exchange of ideas and active collaboration. The Zuckerman Institute's home will be the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia's new Manhattanville campus. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, at full capacity the Zuckerman Institute will house approximately 47 laboratories employing a broad range of interdisciplinary approaches to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly collaborative environment, labs work together to gain critical insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers from trauma or disease. 

A lab within the Zuckerman Institute seeks an Associate Research Scientist (ARS) to facilitate research in both ex vivo hippocampal slice electrophysiological recordings and in vivo calcium imaging to examine CA2 neuron function in wild-type mice and dysfunction in a mouse model of the human 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder with the greatest known risk factor for developing schizophrenia. Among duties and skills required the applicant needs expertise in vivo two-photon microscopic imaging to track CA2 activity during social interactions in the brain of living mice. Applicant needs expertise in performing surgery for optogenetics and cannula implants for in vivo imaging. Experience in imaging and electrophysiological slice recordings from hippocampal pyramidal neurons will be of particular relevance. In addition the candidate should be familiar with advanced viral based tracing techniques and the use of confocal microscopy to examine fixed tissue. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have expertise in social behavioral analyses including social olfactory memory-based behaviors. Strong computational skills, as well as superior motivation, drive and demonstrated aptitude for carrying out independent research will be additional important qualifications.