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Behavioral Neuroscience Technician

(ID: 2024-6380)

Axle is a bioscience and
information technology company that offers advancements in
translational research, biomedical informatics, and data
science applications to research centers and healthcare
organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in
biomedical science, software engineering, and program
management, we focus on developing and applying research
tools and techniques to empower decision-making and
accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the
top research organizations and facilities in the country
including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH).

Axle
is seeking a
Behavioral Neuroscience Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Baltimore, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

  • 100%
    Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • 401K match up to 5%
  • Educational
    Benefits for Career Growth
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Flexible
    Spending Accounts:

    • Healthcare (FSA)
    • Parking
      Reimbursement Account (PRK)
    • Dependent
      Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
    • Transportation
      Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Overall Position Summary and Objectives

The specific function is to provide support for the NIA IRP Laboratory of Neuroscience, Neurocognitive Aging Section (LBNNAS: www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs/lbn/neurocognitive-aging-section). The lab uses state-of-the-art techniques to understand the basis of cognitive aging across multiple levels of analysis, from the regulation of neuronal gene expression critical for memory-related synaptic plasticity, to the organization of large-scale neural network dynamics linked to cognitive function. This position, as detailed below, will include behavioral testing of rats, biological sample acquisition, animal colony management, data analysis and quality control, validation of experimental procedures, and other activities as required.

Deliverables:

  • Inspect Equipment – Daily
  • Meet with lab members to present updates – Bi-Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to implementation of rat behavioral phenotyping. – Ad-Hoc

Work Details:

  • Perform rat behavioral phenotyping, including, but not limited to, water maze, novel odor recognition, social memory assessment. 1

  • Perform biological sample collection, preparation, and storage. 2 

  • Analyze data generated from behavioral phenotyping and maintain databases of rodent colonies, generated data and bio-Samples. 3 

  • Support design-based quantitative morphometric studies using stereological methods. 4 

  • Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques. 5 

  • Studies the basic principles of animal life and the effects of varying environmental factors. 
  • Conducts research and performs experiments on the selection and breeding of animals. 
  • Update animal protocol through the submission of amendments and submission of new animal protocols to ensure necessary animal work for experiments. 
  • Maintains animal colonies. 
  • Handle, dissect and euthanize animals. 
  • Performs simple surgeries on animals. 
  • Handle, dissect and euthanize animals. 
  • Assist with and perform animal survival surgery, including intraspinal injections. 
  • Prepares and analyzes animal tissues. 
  • Perform analysis of animal tissues; prepare frozen slices and paraffin sections, appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures. 
  • Performs molecular biology techniques. 
  • Performs immunohistochemistry on animal tissues. 
  • Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry. 
  • Analyzes experimental data. 
  • Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze and interpret data. 
  • Collect, review, research, and analyze large datasets; perform experiments, utilizing various statistical applications and methods; and interpret data, assemble data into figures, and enter data into a database. 
  • Collate, edit and archive electronic and paper laboratory files, notebooks and databases.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents
priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is
lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

Bachelor

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses:

  • BS or BA degree in Neuroscience, Psychology or related field.

     

Field of Study:

  • Cognitive Science and Biopsychology 

  • Neuroscience 

     

Software:

  • Diagnostic or Behavioral Equipment 
  • Word 
  • Excel 

 

Skills:

  • Extensive Rat Handling Experience.
  • Experience in biological sample collection, preparation, and storage. 
  • Rat behavioral phenotyping experience.

Disclaimer:The
above description is meant to illustrate the general
nature of work and level of effort being performed
by individuals assigned to this position or job
description. This is not restricted as a complete
list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or
assignments required. Individuals may be required to
perform duties outside of their position, job
description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of
Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly
committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of
employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination
or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national
origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status,
sexual orientation, status with respect to public
assistance, and other characteristics protected under state,
federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or
induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If
you need an accommodation as part of the employment process
please contact: careers@axleinfo.com