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We are currently seeking a highly motivated, well-qualified Animal Behavior Research Technician within the lab of Dr. Carlos Brody at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute.  The Brody Lab is interested in the neural mechanisms underlying our cognitive abilities and they utilize the rat as a model organism to apply a combined computational-experimental approach to their studies of decision-making, executive/cognitive control, and working memory. More information can be found on their website .

This position will be responsible for performing behavioral training of rodents and have the opportunity to contribute to experiments involving optogenetics, electrophysiology and head fixed rigs. This role will collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral research fellows and other technicians to facilitate training in a high throughput behavior training system.

The qualified candidate must be well organized, reliable, punctual, possess great attention to detail and communication skills. Must be able to work individually or in a team environment with minimal supervision.

This position will be an initial 6-month temporary position with the possibility of extension.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Flexible Schedule

What you’ll do:

• Training rodents on behavioral tasks.

• Oversight of the health and wellbeing of rodents, to include (but not limited to):

  • Health checks and socialization

  • Behavior training and handling

  • Some basic husbandry duties

  • Maintaining accurate, detailed records and data

• Assisting with the needs of staff, students and faculty

• Other lab duties as assigned

What you bring:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment with protective equipment, including ability and willingness to adhere to strict COVID-19 regulations

• High school diploma or equivalent OR certification as an animal technician (AALAS) or Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) is required

• Must be willing to regularly handle and work with rodents

• Ability to work on weekends is required

• Ability to work Holidays required

• Flexible scheduling for time-critical laboratory needs would be a plus.

• Experience with basic soldering, computer programming, machining, or 3D printing would be a plus

• Ability to perform daily sound checks on lab equipment and machinery.

• Ability to comfortably lift 50 lbs.

Physical Requirements

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.

Position requires a reasonable level of mobility in which a technician remains in active movement while carrying various weights of approximately 14 lbs. for periods of 45-90 minutes with periods of seated work in between. The ability to comfortably perform repetitive motion tasks such as kneeling for a minute or two, bending, climbing step stools, regularly pushing and pulling large wheeled racks in excess of 50 lbs., and occasionally lifting 50 lbs. Reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate small objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard, plugging in micro USB; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear – specifically the ability to use a computer, listen for a sound check beep, observe animals and other individuals and objects in laboratory, ability to observe the work environment to detect and, as appropriate, address hazards, and ability to understand spoken language. Work will involve exposure to malodorous vapors and may involve exposures to low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

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. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer