Research Associate 1 or 2, Biology

We are seeking Research Associate 1 or 2, Biology with experience in brain slice electrophysiology to join our team for a nine-month contract. The candidate must be interested in neuroscience and/or pharmacology with a knowledge of electrophysiology to work with cutting edge techniques in our industry lab setting. The electrophysiologist will contribute to characterizing and elucidating the effects of novel agents on the function of target ion channels. The primary role is to perform experiments using patch clamp electrophysiology in acute rodent brain slices. There is opportunity to work with transgenic mouse lines, neuronal cultures and various imaging and electrophysiology techniques. This candidate will join a passionate, diverse, and dynamic team focused on developing treatments for epilepsy and other neurologic conditions.

The Research Associate 1 or 2, Biology reports to the Research Scientist 3, Biology. This position is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently design and execute electrophysiological recordings from brain slices. 
• Aid the ex vivo team in performing viral injections in neonatal mice for expression of various exogenous proteins, such as fluorescent markers or opsins.
• Conduct tissue culture, immunohistochemistry and microscopy as required. 
• Keep up to date and detailed records of experiments and data analysis.
• Report writing, documentation and presentations including detailed write-ups of functions and capabilities of newly developed analysis toolboxes.
• Ensure the laboratory environment safe and well-organized; follow and keep up to date with Health & Safety; other general lab maintenance duties.
• Keep up to date and detailed records of experiments and data analysis within an Electronic Lab Notebook system.  Ensure experiments are counter-signed on a monthly basis.
• Ensure the laboratory environment is safe and well-organized; follow and keep up to date with Health & Safety policies.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology or related field with up to two years of relevant experience.
• Prior practical experience with brain slices and electrophysiology is required.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and takes initiative.
• Excellent record keeping and attention to detail.
• Prior experience with microscopy, immunohistochemistry is a plus.
• Knowledge in the study of ion channels and pharmacology is a plus.
• Knowledge and practical experience with current/voltage clamp approaches in the study of ion channels and pharmacology will be a plus. 
• Knowledge in in silico modeling to complement our drug efforts is a plus.

The base salary range for this role is $54,100 to $75,000 CAD; we will consider above this range for exceptional candidates. Base salary is determined by a combination of factors including, but not limited to, education and other qualifications, years of relevant experience, and internal equity.