Description
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Part-time Fixed Short-Term position is for approximately 5 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
The position involves working with laboratory animals in accordance with institutional animal care guidelines, handling specialized electrophysiological equipment, and working in a research laboratory environment.
The primary purpose of this position is to conduct in vivo electrophysiological recordings from mouse auditory brain regions, perform rigorous data analysis, and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts. This position requires technical expertise in performing surgical procedures, in vivo recording techniques, and electrophysiological data acquisition. The Research Assistant must demonstrate strong attention to detail, systematic problem-solving abilities, proficiency with data analysis software, and effective written communication skills to produce high-quality scientific publications. This role is essential to advancing the laboratory's research objectives and maintaining the productivity of the research program.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
IN VIVO ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY:
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Conduct in vivo electrophysiological recordings from mouse auditory brain regions using multi-electrode arrays or single-electrode techniques, following established laboratory protocols
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Perform and maintain rodent surgical procedures including stereotactic placement of recording electrodes under anesthesia, ensuring adherence to animal care standards and principles of minimally invasive technique
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Maintain and troubleshoot electrophysiological recording equipment, including amplifiers, digitizers, headstages, and other specialized instrumentation to ensure optimal signal quality
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Optimize recording protocols and parameters based on experimental objectives, troubleshoot technical problems, and document all procedures and troubleshooting efforts
DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION:
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Analyze electrophysiological data using appropriate software tools to extract and characterize neural responses, spike sorting, and signal processing
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Create visualizations of neural data including raster plots, peristimulus time histograms (PSTHs), spectrograms, tuning curves, and other quantitative representations of neural activity
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Perform statistical analysis of neural data, including parametric and nonparametric tests, to quantify neural responses and assess the significance of experimental findings
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Maintain organized and well-documented analysis pipelines, including version control of custom analysis code and clear documentation of analytical methods for reproducibility
MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION AND SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION:
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Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts by compiling and organizing results, preparing figures, and writing methodological sections or data descriptions under guidance from the PI
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Prepare high-quality figures and supplementary materials in accordance with journal standards, ensuring accuracy and appropriate representation of experimental results
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Assist in literature reviews and background research to support manuscript preparation and ensure proper contextualization of findings
LABORATORY MAINTENANCE AND COMPLIANCE:
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Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory workspace, including proper storage of reagents, equipment, and animal care materials
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Ensure compliance with animal care protocols, safety procedures, and institutional regulations, including completion of required training and certifications
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Assist with routine maintenance of research equipment and facilities, and report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to the PI
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May perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Physiology, or related discipline required
- Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in neuroscience research or equivalent hands-on experience with electrophysiological techniques required
- Demonstrated proficiency with data analysis software and statistical methods required
- Strong written communication skills and experience preparing scientific documents or manuscripts
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Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
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Must obtain and maintain certification in animal care and use in accordance with institutional requirements (AACUC or equivalent)
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Experience with in vivo electrophysiological methods preferred
- Experience with rodent surgical techniques and stereotactic procedures preferred
- Familiarity with auditory neuroscience research methods or sensory neuroscience preferred
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Experience with signal processing and neural data visualization preferred
- Authorship on scientific publications preferred
Application Deadline: July 29, 2022
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
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We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
