Independent Research Technician - molecular neuroscience and neurodegeneration

The Ramachandran lab is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, and detail-oriented research assistant/lab manager to join the lab. The technician will spend 40% of their time working on experiments to support projects in the lab, 40% of their time working on neuronal dissections and primary cell culture and mouse maintenance, and 20% support for ordering and maintaining the lab. We study a new mechanism of protein degradation and protein homeostasis in neurons enabled by a plasma membrane-bound proteasome complex which we discovered. These “neuroproteasomes” degrade substrates independent of ubiquitylation and the resulting products of degradation are used as neuromodulators. This discovery goes against established dogma in proteostasis and in neurobiology – our goal is to understand mechanistically how neuroproteasome activity and function is enabled and to reveal the biological function of neuroproteasomes in the mammalian brain. Our goal, as part of the Taub Institute on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, is also to fully understand how neuroproteasomes are dysregulated in and contribute to neurodegeneration and brain aging.

We adopt a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding neuroproteasome function, leveraging chemical biology, super-resolution micrsocopy, functional and Ca+2 imaging, quantitative proteomics, in vivo mouse work, primary neuronal culture, and biochemistry. The technician will conduct in vitro cell culture experiments with primary neurons and neuronal cell lines. Duties will also include in vivo animal research and husbandry, dissection, and tissue processing.

Applicants with prior experience working with mammalian cell culture is required and mouse experience will be highly preferred. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented, with excellent laboratory skills. Time-management, multitasking and the ability to work in a fast-paced research program are essential.

This is a full-time position that will require occasional weekend work. Other candidates from this position have gone on to pursue MD/PhD and PhDs at UCSF, Tri-I institutional program, and MIT.