Research Assistant II — Auditory Neuroscience
The Jackson Laboratory
Summary
The Tarchini Lab studies how sensory hair cells in the inner ear detect sound and head movement, focusing on how these cells build and maintain their stereociliary bundle, the specialized brush of hair-like protrusions that acts as a motion sensor. This project extends that work in a new, translational direction, testing whether a specific class of compounds can protect hair cells and stereocilia from noise-damage, and ultimately help protect hearing. We are hiring a Research Assistant II to carry out the day-to-day lab work.
Job description
About the Lab and Role
The Tarchini Lab studies how sensory hair cells in the inner ear detect sound and head movement, focusing on how these cells build and maintain their stereociliary bundle, the specialized brush of hair-like protrusions that acts as a motion sensor. This project extends that work in a new, translational direction, testing whether a specific class of compounds can protect hair cells and stereocilia from noise-damage, and ultimately help protect hearing. We are hiring a Research Assistant II to carry out the day-to-day lab work.
What You Will Do
- Perform fine microdissection and short-term culture of adult mouse cochlear tissue
- Conduct survival surgeries (inner ear injections, systemic drug delivery)
- Run auditory function tests (ABR), including on animals following noise exposure
- Use fluorescence microscopy to evaluate hair cell and stereocilia condition
- Keep organized records and assist with data analysis
- Support general lab operations and other ongoing projects as time allows
What We Are Looking For
- Prior hands-on bench/lab experience, ideally with animal tissue or small-animal work
- Good dissection skills and comfort with fine, precise manual tasks
- Background in life sciences (BS/BA) and prior auditory or sensory biology experience is a plus but not required
- Dependable and organized, with the ability to take initiative and work with minimal oversight
- A team player who communicates well in a small lab setting
Position Details
This position is grant-funded for 1.5–2 years to support a specific pilot project, with the possibility of extension beyond that period depending on future funding and performance during the initial term.
Requirements
- Prior hands-on bench/lab experience, ideally with animal tissue or small-animal work
- Good dissection skills and comfort with fine, precise manual tasks
- Background in life sciences (BS/BA)
- Dependable and organized, with the ability to take initiative and work with minimal oversight
- A team player who communicates well in a small lab setting
Company overview
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution founded in 1929 in Bar Harbor, Maine. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, JAX specializes in discovering precise genomic solutions for disease and empowering the global biomedical community to improve human health. With nearly 3,000 employees across 11 locations worldwide, including facilities in Maine, Connecticut, California, Japan, and China, the organization operates with a substantial $628 million annual budget. JAX maintains a diverse research portfolio encompassing cancer, aging, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, computational biology, and rare diseases. The laboratory is renowned for providing over 13,000 strains of genetically specialized mice to more than 2,400 organizations in 68 countries, making it the world's leading source for mouse models. Additionally, JAX hosts the Mouse Genome Informatics database and offers comprehensive educational programs for scientists at all career stages, contributing to at least 26 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine through its research, resources, and educational initiatives.