Research Assistant – Molecular Biology (Full-Time)

About the role

The Sengupta lab at Saint Louis University seeks a full‑time Research Assistant to support molecular biology and electrophysiology projects using the zebrafish model. The role combines hands‑on laboratory work, animal husbandry, and data analysis to investigate neuronal development and movement coordination.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain zebrafish colonies, perform basic husbandry, regeneration, and genotyping.
• Conduct embryo injections, create transgenic lines, and manage rotifer cultures.
• Execute molecular biology protocols, electrophysiology recordings, optogenetic experiments, and behavior imaging.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers, centrifuges, incubators, homogenizers, and microscopes.
• Prepare culture media, reagents, and experimental animals; perform chromatography and electrophoresis as needed.
• Collect, process, and analyze experimental data; compile results for reports and publications.
• Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, and minor equipment repairs.
• Handle clerical duties including data entry, correspondence, and bibliography management.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
• Experience with zebrafish husbandry and basic molecular techniques.
• Ability to work independently and follow established protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Required skills

• Zebrafish husbandry and genotyping
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, etc.)
• Electrophysiology recordings
• Optogenetics
• Confocal imaging
• Chromatography and electrophoresis
• Operation of spectrophotometer, centrifuge, incubator, homogenizer, microscopes