Find your next opportunity

Job details

The Neural Control & Computation Lab at York University is hiring a part-time Research Assistant to support neurophysiology research with awake, behaving non-human primates. Please note before applying: this role is on-site in Toronto and is worked as a four-hour session every weekday, Monday to Friday. It is 20 hours per week spread across five days, not a role that can be compressed into two or three longer days or performed remotely. ABOUT THE LAB We study how the brain learns and generates skilled behaviour. We record from large populations of single neurons in non-human primates using high-density Neuropixels probes, including a recently developed capability for wireless, chronic recordings during naturalistic behaviour, and we link what we find to computational models of motor control. Our longer-term aim is to improve the restoration of arm and hand function lost to trauma and disease. The lab is housed in York's new Neuroscience Facility and is part of a research community spanning the Centre for Integrative and Applied Neuroscience, the Centre for Vision Research, and the Connected Minds initiative. We aim to make this an inviting and team-oriented place to work. We put real effort into clear communication and into treating each other with dignity, and we have zero tolerance for hostile behaviour or intimidation. We are also committed to each lab member's growth, whether that leads on to science, healthcare, business, or government. THE ROLE Working closely with the Principal Investigator, you will train animals using positive-reinforcement methods; prepare, run, and evaluate experiments; set up, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized equipment; and keep the materials and supplies our work depends on ready and available. You will help keep the lab running day to day, tracking inventory, restocking disposables, and taking on other research tasks as they come up. We want someone who contributes intellectually, and there are real opportunities for authorship on scientific publications. WHAT YOU WILL DO • Behavioural and electrophysiological assessment of non-human primates, in compliance with OMAFA and CCAC policies and regulations as approved by the York University Animal Care Committee • Independently conduct, analyze, and evaluate research activities and study outcomes • Train non-human primates using positive-reinforcement techniques to perform the behavioural tasks required by our research, and document individual progress across sessions • Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment and research procedures • Provide written documentation of research procedures and outcomes • Maintain inventory of laboratory disposables • Collaborate with and support Vivarium animal care staff in aseptic surgical procedures and other related animal care activities • Engage professionally and collaboratively with animal care leadership, veterinary staff, animal care technicians, and Animal Care Committee members WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR • Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, kinesiology, animal science, or a related field • At least one year as a research assistant or in a comparable role in a biomedical research setting; neuroscience research experience is a plus • Experience in behavioural training of animals and performance monitoring • Handling and care of non-human primates • Comfort working in a neurophysiology lab • Working knowledge of Windows and MS Office, and a willingness to learn the data collection and analysis tools we use • Registered Veterinary Technician and Registered Laboratory Animal Technician certifications are an asset SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION 20 hours per week, worked as a four-hour session every weekday, Monday to Friday. Sessions normally fall between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, with the daily timing set in consultation with the Principal Investigator. The position requires occasional flexible hours to provide care after surgical procedures or other veterinary treatments, and to respond to emergencies or unusual circumstances. $36,000 to $40,000 annually for 20 hours per week, plus 4% vacation pay. No health or dental benefits are attached to this position. This is a one-year term with the chance for renewal. HOW TO APPLY Please send a cover letter and resume to Jonathan Michaels at [email protected]. You can read more about our research at ncclab.ca and our full values statement at ncclab.ca/values. We will review applications as they arrive and continue until the position is filled. The Neural Control & Computation Lab welcomes people of any race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, caregiver and family commitments, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and eligible age or disability status. If you need accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know and we will arrange it. We thank all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The Research Assistant will train non-human primates using positive-reinforcement methods and conduct neurophysiology experiments. They will also maintain laboratory equipment, manage inventory, and assist with aseptic surgical procedures.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as neuroscience or psychology and possess at least one year of research assistant experience. Proficiency in animal handling and a willingness to learn specialized data collection tools are required.

Benefits

• Vacation pay

Listed skills

• Data analysis · Preferred
• Inventory management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Neurophysiology
• Non-human primate handling
• Behavioural training
• Positive-reinforcement techniques
• Electrophysiological assessment
• Neuropixels probes
• Equipment maintenance
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Inventory management
• Aseptic surgical procedures
• MS Office
• Windows
• Research documentation

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Healthcare
• Education