Job Description

Summary

The Research Assistant will support research in the O'Connor-Giles Laboratory, which studies synapse formation, function, and plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster. The lab uses genetic, imaging, physiological, and behavioral tools in the fly model to identify and characterize conserved synaptic genes, with a focus on those associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Research Assistant will focus on a current project PDZD8, a new signaling molecule the lab identified as a positive regulator of activity-dependent synaptogenesis. PDZD8 operates at signaling sites between organelles where the exchange of lipids, ions, and other metabolites regulates the formation of new synapses in response to neuronal activity. This work connects intracellular signaling at membrane contact sites to protein turnover in neurons and to nervous system development and has implications for how PDZD8 disruption causes intellectual disability in humans.

The Research Assistant will have four primary duties:

• Performing Drosophila brain dissection, immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
• Preparing Drosophila brain samples for proteomics studies, including analysis, visualization and interpretation of results.
• Molecular cloning to generate transgenes and CRISPR alleles for in vivo studies.
• Drosophila husbandry, maintenance and genetics.

The Research Assistant will also support the lab's broader research activities, including general lab maintenance and contributing to manuscript preparation.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of one year from the date of hire, which may be extended depending on available funding.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or related science and prior research experience or extensive coursework (Grade 7)
• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or related science and 1 to 2 years of experience. (Grade 8)
• Preferred: 2+ years of prior related research experience or extensive coursework in an organized biology research laboratory (Grade 8)
• And/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job competencies

• Interest in scientific research
• Knowledge of experimental planning and design or willingness to learn
• Proficiency in data visualization or willingness to learn
• Proficiency in data analysis, including statistical analysis or willingness to learn
• Proficiency with computers and essential software programs
• Familiarity with use of Drosophila as a model organism or willingness to learn
• Maintain agreed upon day-time work hours to allow for assistance of experiments for lab members
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational, record keeping, task prioritization, and report preparation skills
• Ability to collaborate on projects
• Dependability and accuracy in work
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a diverse group of people, with very different backgrounds, skills and training

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION CHECK REQUIRED

Please note: This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship from Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-09-23

Job Posting Title:

Research Assistant

Department:

Department of Neuroscience

Grade:

Grade 7

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Onsite

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.