The Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh is hiring for the position of senior research technician to conduct hearing research in animal models. The Research Technician will work under the direct guidance of Drs. Thanos Tzounopoulos and Manoj Kumar. Our research has been focused on the cellular, synaptic, and intrinsic properties and plasticity of brain circuits and neurons. We have discovered novel synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms in the auditory brainstem and cortex, as well as their effects during normal and pathological auditory processing in animal models of hearing loss and tinnitus. Under the guidance of senior lab members, the research technician with learn to perform in vivo acute and longitudinal two-photon Ca2+ imaging of distinct neuronal brain cell-types in awake mice, operant behavior, chemogenetics, optogenetics, and ex vivo electrophysiology experiments. The research technician will learn basic and novel concepts of hearing and auditory neuroscience while contributing towards data collection, analysis, writing, and presentations that would result in publications with co-authorships.

The title of the position will depend on the candidates' qualifications and years of research experience. Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience or Biology with 3-5 years of research experience is required. Experience with 2-photon imaging, confocal imaging, histology, and stereotactic surgeries are preferred but not required. Also, experience in studying cortical neural plasticity is preferred but not required. The research technician is expected to learn, conduct, and complete experiments in auditory neuroscience. The research technician is also expected to learn and employ statistical analysis of the collected data and figure construction is also required. The research technician is also expected to develop expert recommendations and problem resolutions to improve research efforts.

The incumbent will need experience performing these tasks and be able to handle mice in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to, laboratory maintenance, equipment testing and inspection, data management report preparation, animal procurement, and ordering of laboratory supplies. Applicants will be expected to gain a working knowledge of the laboratory and be able to operate all laboratory systems under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff.

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience or Biology with 3-5 years of research experience is required. Experience with 2-photon imaging, confocal imaging, histology, and stereotactic surgeries are preferred but not required. Experience in studying cortical neural plasticity is preferred but not required.