Job Description

The Senior Research Technologist conducts and supports advanced laboratory research focused on retinal physiology using transgenic mouse models in compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Biosafety protocols. Responsibilities include performing ex vivo transretinal electroretinography (ERG), in vivo ERG recordings, and optokinetic response behavioral studies using OptoDrum technology, as well as processing and analyzing experimental data. The role prepares reagents, solutions, and tissue samples for electrophysiological studies, maintains laboratory equipment and inventories by ordering necessary supplies, and contributes to the preparation of scientific presentations and peer-reviewed manuscripts. The Senior Research Technologist also ensures a safe and organized laboratory environment, collaborates effectively with laboratory personnel, and performs additional research and laboratory duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator to support ongoing research objectives.

This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

Essential Functions

• Reports to the Principal Investigator/Director of the laboratory.
• Conducts laboratory animal studies related to retinal physiology defined under IACUC and Institutional Biosafety protocols.
• Performs electrophysiological experiments on whole-mount mouse retinas (ex-vivo transretinal electroretinography) and data processing and analysis.
• Performs behavioral studies of optokinetic response in transgenic mouse models utilizing OptoDrum technology and pertinent data processing and analysis.
• Performs in vivo ERG recordings in mouse models.
• Prepares reagents, solutions, and tissue samples for electrophysiological studies.
• Orders pertinent laboratory supplies and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Processes experimental data for presentations at scientific conferences and manuscripts.
• Maintains safe laboratory environment and proper communication with laboratory personnel.
• Performs other laboratory duties and safety procedures specified by the Principal Investigator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Physics and a PhD in biology
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in molecular biology and electrophysiology of the retina, including:
  • Documented record of performing advanced electrophysiological studies in vertebrate retinas.
  • Long-term experience with performing electrophysiological experiments on whole-mount retinas (patch-clamp and extracellular recordings).
  • Hands-on experience with integrative functions of nervous system including visuomotor integration studies.
  • Specialized computer skills (MatLab, IgorPro).
  • Experience with animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Electronics (design and calibration of analog devices, programming microcontrollers).
  • Pharmacology of ion channels.
• Co-authorship on at least 5 peer-review publications in the field of retinal neurobiology.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

• Salus Campus - Elkins Park

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade L The compensation range for a Full-Time role in this salary grade from $69,070.00 to $103,600.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.