UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The Audette Lab of Flexible Sensory Processing (Psychological Sciences, UConn Storrs) is seeking a full-time research assistant. The successful candidate will provide administrative and technical research support to the lab while contributing directly to ongoing research projects. With experience, the Research Assistant will develop and execute an independent research project.

The goal of the Audette Lab is to understand how the brain combines sensory input with behavior and experience to shape perception. Research in the lab focuses on large-scale neural recordings in motor and auditory brain regions while mice perform acoustically enriched behaviors. We combine neural and behavioral data using computational approaches to link specific brain circuits and cell types to behavioral functions.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an organized and motivated individual preparing for a graduate career in Systems Neuroscience or related fields. The successful candidate will train in surgical and anatomical methods, behavioral paradigm design, electrophysiological recording, and data analysis. They will have the opportunity to build professional skills including scientific communication and to engage with the scientific community through research conferences and grant preparation. The position provides a competitive salary, benefits, and a commitment to helping the employee advance their scientific career.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide administrative support and general lab management
• Coordinate and train undergraduate research team
• Work with vivarium staff to manage mouse colony
• Order and inventory equipment and reagents
• Attend and engage in laboratory meetings
• Learn and conduct experimental procedures including surgeries, histology, neural recording, and behavioral testing
• Contribute to data analysis and data presentation
• Develop and conduct an independent research project (optional)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Engineering, Psychology, or a related field.
2. Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team with diverse skill sets and backgrounds.
4. Track record of strong organizational and time management skills.
5. Experience working in an academic research laboratory.
6. Experience working with word processing, spreadsheets, and related computer programs.
7. Enthusiasm for building the skills to perform systems neuroscience research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working in a laboratory setting focused on Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field.
2. Experience working with rodents as a model organism.
3. Experience with survival surgery, viral expression vectors, and histological analysis.
4. Experience programming in MATLAB, Python, or R for data analysis and/or software development.
5. Experience using engineering skills related to electronic circuits, 3D printing design, or Arduino programming.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This Research Assistant position is a full-time, 12-month appointment that is annually renewable based on performance and funding availability. The desired start date is May-June 2025. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498950 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 6, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.