Summary

The Tracy Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our team investigating the molecular events that lead to synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Research Associate will provide technical support and assistance performing laboratory work for ongoing research in the Tracy Laboratory to elucidate the mechanisms that cause memory loss. Our research involves using transgenic mouse models of disease and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived neurons to dissect mechanisms that cause neuronal dysfunction during disease pathogenesis.

Job description

Position Overview

The Tracy Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our team investigating the molecular events that lead to synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Research Associate will provide technical support and assistance performing laboratory work for ongoing research in the Tracy Laboratory to elucidate the mechanisms that cause memory loss. Our research involves using transgenic mouse models of disease and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived neurons to dissect mechanisms that cause neuronal dysfunction during disease pathogenesis.

Responsibilities

Making and maintaining cell cultures for the laboratory (human iPSCs, human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and HEK293 cells)
Organizing and general management of the mouse colony
Breeding, weaning, euthanizing and general husbandry of mice in the colony
Tail cutting, ear punching and genotyping of mice in the colony
Assisting members of the lab with the projects that they are leading by completing duties that may include making solutions, running PCRs and western blots or performing immunostaining
Ordering laboratory supplies
Delivering packages of supplies that arrive for the Tracy laboratory, unpacking them, and organizing them
Helping with laboratory organization and performing general care and maintenance of the laboratory and its equipment including tissue culture incubators and biosafety cabinets

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology (BA or BS)
Experience handling mice is desirable
Experience with basic laboratory techniques or methods, especially cell culture, is desirable
Excellent organizational skills and record keeping
Proven accuracy and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to manage different projects simultaneously with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and independently prioritize assignments

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology (BA or BS)
Experience handling mice is desirable
Experience with basic laboratory techniques or methods, especially cell culture, is desirable
Excellent organizational skills and record keeping
Proven accuracy and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to manage different projects simultaneously with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and independently prioritize assignments

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) Employer Contribution
Student Debt Repayment Option

Company overview

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the world's first independent biomedical research institute dedicated exclusively to research on aging and age-related diseases. Founded in 1999 and located in Novato, California, the institute operates as a nonprofit organization with a mission to extend the healthy years of human life. As a pioneer in geroscience, the Buck Institute brings together interdisciplinary teams of scientists to investigate the fundamental biological mechanisms of aging, recognizing aging as the primary risk factor for major chronic diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The institute operates through approximately twenty specialized laboratories focusing on areas such as cellular senescence, stem cell biology, metabolism, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. With an annual budget of approximately $37 million supported by federal grants, private foundations, and the Buck Trust endowment, the institute has established itself as a global leader in longevity research. The Buck Institute also hosts the world's largest publicly available stem cell bank and has launched commercial spin-offs like Unity Biotechnology to translate basic research discoveries into therapeutic interventions targeting age-related conditions.