If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will help with research on circadian rhythms in mice. Our lab is investigating the negative health impact of disrupted sleep schedules, jet lag, and shift work. We are conducting basic research on how light can entrain rhythms, the role of communication from eye to brain and from brain to peripheral organs such as the liver. We recently developed a technique for using bioluminescence to track circadian gene expression and will employ this technique to test hypotheses about circadian rhythms of the liver. New studies will employ stereotaxic surgery to deliver bioluminescent gene reporters to select neural targets.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Examples of duties:

• Oversee mouse colony maintenance and genotyping and perform health assessments on experimental animals.

• Assist lab members with aseptic survival surgeries and tissue collection. Conduct stereotaxic surgery.

• Aid in processing and cutting formalin-fixed tissue, with NIssl staining.

• Maintain lab inventory and order research supplies, as well as maintain lab equipment

• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and publications on completed research in cooperation with other lab members.

• Managing undergraduate lab assistants with data input and lab maintenance (i.e., dishes, autoclaving, stocking, etc.).

• Actively collaborate and support other team members.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

BA/BS in neuroscience, biology, or a related field.

At least 2-3 years relevant lab experience using the techniques or methods required for the position.

Rodent handling experience.

Familiarity with common life sciences laboratory techniques and equipment.

Ability to maintain a well-organized and accurate laboratory notebook.

Demonstrated ability to work well with a team, in addition to being a motivated individual capable of independent problem solving.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory; Prior experience programming in R. Prior experience with stereotaxic surgery.

Demonstrated ability to maintain a breeding colony of transgenic mice and coordinate genotyping.

Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills.

Enthusiasm and scientific curiosity for circadian rhythms research.

Skills

Exceptional organization and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well with a team as well as independently on their own research project.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

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Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Position Type:

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.