As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. **Job Location (Full Address):** 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642 **Opening:** Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: 400090 Pharmacology & Physiology Staf Work Shift: Range: UR URG 111 Compensation Range: $63,815.00 - $95,723.00 _The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._ **Responsibilities:** This Senior Research Specialist designs, executes, problem-solves, and analyzes molecular biological, immunocytochemical, calcium imaging, and electrophysiological experiments related to the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity by serine/threonine protein phosphatases and their interaction proteins in hippocampus and cortex. Responsibilities: In accordance with broadly-outlined objectives, will independently plan, design and conduct technical procedures, non-routine and complex in nature. Pursue independent research projects that will include conducting and analyzing electrophysiological, imaging, immunocytochemical, and molecular biological experiments in cultured neurons and acute brain slices. Will set-up and operate state-of-the-art equipment and instruments. With latitude for modifying methods and techniques, will work independently to record and analyze data, make recommendations for future experiments, prepare reports and manuscripts, and present data at laboratory, local and national meetings. - Electrophysiology on neurons in brain slices. Design and conduct whole-cell voltage or current clamp experiments to determine the magnitude, voltage dependence, and kinetics of synaptic transmission in brain neurons in hippocampus. Measurements will include quantifying calcium channel conductance, gating currents, and voltage-gated calcium release in acute brain slices. Results analyzed using custom Igor-based software, Sigmaplot and/or other software suites. Prior experience in patch clamp brain slice electrophysiological techniques and analyses is required. - Electrophysiology on cultured neurons. Design and conduct whole-cell voltage experiments to determine the magnitude and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC), and evoked response from paired neurons. Measurements will include quantifying channel conductance, gating currents, and voltage-gated calcium release in cultured neurons. Results analyzed using custom Igor-based software, Sigmaplot and/or other software suites. Prior experience in electrophysiological techniques and analyses is required. Prior experience with single channel recording is a plus but not required. - Imaging Experiments. Measure electrically-evoked and ligand-induced changes in global cytosolic calcium concentrations or GFP signals in neurons using single wavelength and ratiometric fluorescent Ca2+ indicators. Monitor Ca2+ changes in subcellular compartments using Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent probes targeted to specific intracellular organelles (i.e. spines, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria). Electroporation, and adenoviral vector injection approaches will be used for gene delivery. Real time imaging, and confocal/two photon microscopy approaches will be used to assess changes in global cytoplasmic and compartmental calcium. Prior experience in microscopy and fluorescence recordings/analyses is required. - Train and supervise laboratory staff (technicians, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, etc.) in electrophysiology and imaging procedures. - Manuscript Preparation, Research Reports, Proposals. Work with PI to generate manuscripts describing research results including assembly of figures/legends, drafting manuscript text (abstract, introduction, results, discussion), finalizing/submitting manuscripts, and assisting with the resubmission process including responding to reviewer concerns. Provide information to prepare grant progress reports and for new grant proposal submisisons. - Periodically present project updates at lab meetings and posters summarizing results at local and national meetings. Collect and review researches articles and new information pertaining to specific projects, and for grant proposal submissions. Qualifications: - M.S. in Biology or combination of education and experience with a minimum of 3 years of experience in fluorescence imaging and electrophysiological techniques, or with the equivalent with a Master's Degree in experience. - 5 years of experience in fluorescence imaging and electrophysiological. - Ability to conduct research projects independently and to listen to, convey, and exchange information with other laboratory personnel. - Experience and strong working knowledge of computers, scientific software, Excel, Word, etc. - This position requires the use of eyes, hands, and fingers with skill and the ability to perform mathematical calculations using algebra and practically apply percentages, fractions, and ratios. - Ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions exactly, and record information accurately is required. - Must have excellent interpersonal skills. - This position may entail prolonged periods of standing and walking and requires the safe use of toxic chemicals. **EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled:** The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations. Notice: If you are a **Current** **Employee,** please **log into myURHR** to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward. **Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.** Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals At the University of Rochester, we commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.