Primary Work Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139
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About the Role:
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.
The Flavell Lab located at MIT is seeking a Research Technician to participate in computational analysis and modeling of population neural activity in freely-behaving animals, aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate complex behaviors (navigation, state-dependent behaviors, and more). Data processing will involve deep learning approaches to process calcium imaging data, which reflects brain-wide neural activity in freely-moving animals. Computational modeling will be used to relate neural activity to animal behavior in order to make fundamental insights into brain function. Research will use the model system C. elegans. This position will include the optional opportunity to participate in wet-lab data collection, if the hired lab member is interested. The incumbent will perform creative and innovative research rather than procedural lab tasks. For more information about the Flavell Lab please see the following link: https://flavell.mit.edu/steven/
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We are ideally targeting candidates looking to stay within the lab at least 2-3 years before moving on to their next opportunity or graduate/medical school.
Application Instructions:
Please include your GPA at the top of your resume and provide a list of three (3) professional references with contact information (names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) as part of your application. Additionally, please include relevant course work on your resume.
What We Provide:
- A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
- Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and research.
- Being part of a diverse and vibrant community at MIT. The Flavell Lab consists of scientists, postdocs, researchers and graduate students.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth. Dr. Flavell will provide mentorship and is open to supporting training opportunities to help the incumbent with their own personal goals.
- The potential to attend 1 research conference per year.
What You'll Do:
- Processing calcium imaging data to extract calcium traces via software packages that include GPU computing, custom-trained neural networks, etc.
- Analyzing and interpreting data - applying systems neuroscience approaches to examine high-dimensional neural data. Approaches used include neural network-based approaches, Bayesian inference, and more.
- Performing in vivo calcium imaging experiments aimed at understanding how neural circuits generate complex behaviors in the nematode C. elegans. This wet-lab component will be optional and is available if the hired lab member is interested.
- Engaging in creative and innovative research in the course of performing this work, contributing to overall research directions and discoveries. This work will contribute to the field's understanding of how activity in the brain gives rise to thoughts and behaviors.
- Assisting in lab management, organization, equipment maintenance, and maintaining a safe work environment.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, neuroscience, biology, mathematics, or related field.
- Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python, Julia, Matlab, or R; and excellent debugging skills.
- Familiarity and experience with using Github as a tool for code version control, organizing, and publishing software packages
- Familiarity with essential data structures and algorithms; some experience in parallel/distributed computing.
- Strong quantitative and critical thinking skills, demonstrated through coursework or research experience.
- Basic familiarity with biology and/or neuroscience, either through coursework or research experience.
- Superior oral and written communication skills; and the ability to analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication.
- We seek a motivated, highly-organized, and creative thinker who will function effectively in a team-oriented environment. Must be able to balance the demands of an immersive research project with basic lab managerial tasks.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
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Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
Pay Type:
HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer