Histologist

The purpose of the position is to provide histology services in the Laboratory of Neuropsychology.

• Clean Equipment – Daily
• Inspect Equipment – Weekly
• Meet with lab members to present updates – Weekly
• Works products and documents related to performing research activities such as: section brain, process tissue using immunohistochemistry and/or in-situ hybridization techniques in rhesus monkeys, perform histological staining of neural tissue using standard stains, analyze tissue and perform cell count using image analysis software – Daily
• Works products and documents related to conducting experiments in accordance with established protocols and practices; conducting analyses and preparing reports pertaining to laboratory experiments or other operations; interpreting and adapting guidelines for application to complex laboratory problems; assist in presenting information to laboratory personnel. – Daily
• Works products and documents related to performing routine laboratory upkeep such as storing and disposing of hazardous material, preparing solutions, media, stains and buffers; assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments. – Daily
• Works products and documents related to conducting analyses and acquiring photographs of neural tissue using state-of-the-art microscopes; train staff regarding histological techniques and use of microscopes. Weekly
• Work products and documents related to computer-related work, including the collection, maintenance, and organization of histological data and database; analysis of histological data – Daily
• Work products and documents related to literature searches, reviews for new studies and manuscripts, preparation of draft manuscripts; presentation of scientific data at scientific meetings. – Ad-Hoc

• Perform research activities such as: section brains using sliding microtome, process tissue using immunohistochemistry and/or in-situ hybridization techniques, perform histological staining of neural tissue using standard stains (e.g., Nissl, Weigert), analyze tissue and perform cell counts using image analysis software. 1
• Conduct analyses and acquire photographs of neural tissue using state-of-the-art microscopes. 2
• Conduct analyses and prepare reports pertaining to laboratory experiments or other operations; Collaborate on the update and creation of standard operating procedures. 3
• Perform routine laboratory upkeep such as: storing and disposing of hazardous material. preparing solutions, media, stains, and buffers. 4
• Provide Surgical Support by independently providing surgical services for other in the lab. Including: headpost and chamber placement, Chronic electrode and LED array implantation, stereotaxic and visualized aspiration lesions and injections of virus/tracer. 5
• Supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques.
• Independently direct and conduct special research projects that have a high priority for the laboratory with special emphasis in the development of novel research treatments and surgical techniques.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use.
• Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, including Operating Microscopes (Zeiss, Tivato 700), Surgical neuronavigation system (Cortexplore), Stereotaxic and low-profile head holders (Jerry-rig, USA), Surgical instruments, Microfluidic virus injection apparatus, and chronic electrode recording array implantation systems (Blackrock, and others).
• Assists in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.
• Liaison with VMRB and animal facility in maintaining LN space and facilities. Point person for LN staff in all matters related to animal care and use.
• Evaluates, analyzes and interprets research data, communicates results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Presents research at national scientific meetings and symposia; present results of clinical and experimental research at recognized scientific meetings by lectures and exhibit poster sessions.
• Provides interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team; produce research reports and regularly communicate results to staff and collaborators.
• Coordinates with junior staff to modify research protocols.
• Work with staff to confirm assay results and evaluate new techniques and instruments; search literature; propose, design and test alternative assays for difficult screening targets; confirm assay results; develop secondary assays.
• Prepare and/or revise Animal Study Proposals to support research goals.
• Mentors junior level scientists by training staff on the proper usage of surgical instruments and advise staff in surgical techniques and approaches.
• Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life
• Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings
• Train staff regarding histological techniques and use of microscopes.
• Assist in presenting information to laboratory personnel.
• Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures
• Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
• Conduct experiments in accordance with established protocols and practices using a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment
• Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers
• Maintain laboratory equipment
• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples
• Analyze laboratory findings
• Assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards
• Interpret research or operational data
• Record research or operational data
• Interpret and adapt guidelines for application to complex laboratory problems.
• Perform literature searches, reviews for new studies and manuscripts, preparation of draft manuscripts; presentation of scientific data at scientific meetings.

 

• A Bachelors degree plus 3 years of specialized experience in Histology is equivalent to a Masters degree.

• Neuroscience
• Biology

• Powerpoint
• Outlook
• Excel
• Word
• Mac and Windows Operating systems

• SOP writing
• Experience in processing brain tissue using immunohistochemistry and/or in-situ hybridization techniques
• Experience in performing histological staining of neural tissue using standard stains (e.g. Nissel, Weigert)
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.