Research Specialist I, In Vivo Two-Photon Imaging - Sternson Lab

The Sternson Lab at the University of California, San Diego studies how neural circuits control appetite and motivated behavior. Its CaRMA imaging framework links large-scale measurements of neural activity in behaving mice to post hoc molecular identification of the same recorded neurons, combining in vivo two-photon calcium imaging with spatial transcriptomics and circuit mapping to determine how molecularly defined populations control food seeking, consumption and satiety.

The Research Specialist is the lab's primary technical and scientific resource for in vivo two-photon imaging: chronic imaging surgery (cranial windows, headplates, GRIN lenses), imaging experiments in behaving mice, method development for stable, reproducible acquisition, ownership of the analysis pipeline from registration and segmentation to population dynamics, alignment of functional data with molecular identity, microscope maintenance and upgrades, and training other lab members.

The full-time HHMI position is based at the Leichtag Biomedical Research Building, La Jolla. Hiring pay range: USD 75,200-94,000 per year.

Substantial hands-on experience with in vivo two-photon imaging in the mouse brain and with chronic imaging preparations (cranial windows and/or GRIN lenses); strong experience analysing calcium-imaging data; programming in Python, MATLAB or similar; advanced degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, physics or a related field, or equivalent research experience (PhD preferred but not required). Experience with behavioral neuroscience, optical instrumentation or integration of imaging with behavior-control systems is desirable.