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Job Description

A leading neuroscience research laboratory within an academic medical center is seeking a highly motivated research trainee to contribute to studies focused on neural repair and glial biology in central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease.

The laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate glial cell responses following CNS injury and how these responses influence regeneration, neuroplasticity, and neurological recovery. Current research efforts examine astrocyte and microglial biology in conditions including spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

This role offers hands-on research training within a collaborative and mentorship-driven environment focused on scientific development, experimental design, and biomedical neuroscience research.

The selected trainee will participate in bench-based neural repair research focused on astrocyte-neuron and astrocyte-microglia interactions following spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

This position is designed as a structured educational and research opportunity that provides direct training in tissue processing, microscopy, molecular analysis, and quantitative image analysis techniques commonly used in translational neuroscience research.

The trainee will work closely with laboratory investigators and research staff while developing technical and analytical skills applicable to biomedical and neuroscience research careers.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with neural repair-related bench research projects
• Handle and process fixed mouse brain and spinal cord tissue
• Perform in situ mRNA hybridization and immunohistochemistry
• Operate scanning confocal microscopy systems
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of glial cells and neurons in mouse models of SCI and MS
• Analyze microscopy datasets using image analysis and quantification software
• Compare experimental control and treatment groups using quantitative methodologies
• Participate in primary astrocyte and microglia culture experiments
• Investigate the effects of secreted signaling proteins on glial molecular function and metabolic plasticity
• Contribute to data interpretation and scientific discussions within the laboratory

During the first several weeks, the trainee will receive guided instruction in:

• Mouse brain and spinal cord tissue processing
• Tissue staining techniques
• In situ hybridization
• Immunohistochemistry protocols
• Laboratory safety and research workflows

Following foundational training, the trainee will learn to:

• Operate scanning confocal microscopy instrumentation
• Independently acquire high-resolution microscopy images
• Prepare and evaluate tissue samples
• Perform image-based analysis and quantification

As training progresses, the trainee will:

• Conduct independent experimental analyses
• Utilize software tools for data characterization and quantification
• Participate in glial cell culture studies
• Investigate molecular signaling pathways involved in CNS injury and repair
• Develop scientific communication and research interpretation skills

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
• Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
• INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
• VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interest in neuroscience, neurobiology, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines
• Interest in translational or regenerative neuroscience research
• Prior laboratory experience is beneficial but not required
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment
• Interest in developing microscopy, molecular biology, and data analysis skills