The Joy Lab is looking for a Research Associate I/II/III in Bar Harbor, Maine that is enthusiastic about learning and implementing techniques in neuroscience research.
The focus of the lab is to determine how brain circuits reorganize after a stroke, contributions of these reorganizational process to motor function, molecular signatures that drive recovery and therapeutic targets for stroke. We use a host of techniques including but not limited to large-scale mesoscopic calcium imaging, optogenetics, gene targeting with viral vectors or transgenics, transcriptomics and ethological measurements of behavior.
This position will allow the candidate to build a foundation in neuroscience research geared towards identifying translatable therapies for stroke recovery. We are looking for a candidate who is motivated with a strong desire to learn new techniques and is also willing to be part of the organizational process in setting up a new lab.
For more information on the research in the Joy Lab please visit: https://www.jax.org/research-and-faculty/faculty/mary-teena-joy
Job Duties:
- Conducting experiments that involve animal models of stroke, training on motor tasks, histology and imaging.
- Analyzing data
- Preparation of reagents
- Maintaining an inventory of lab supplies and ordering of lab consumables.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences
- Experience in molecular biology techniques such as cloning and AAV virus packaging is desirable.
- Prior experience in animal research and a background in neuroscience is desirable but not required.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter briefing your training, current and future career interests along with a CV.
Pay Range: $18.59 - $29.51 per hour based upon experience
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences
- Experience with molecular biology techniques such as cloning and AAV virus packaging
- Prior experience in animal research
- Background in neuroscience
The Jackson Laboratory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Jackson Laboratory and has not been reviewed or approved by The Jackson Laboratory.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions up to 10% and employer‑paid life and disability insurance indicate robust long‑term financial support. The retirement program is positioned as a standout element of the total package.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, fertility benefits, FSAs, EAP access, and onsite fitness centers point to strong healthcare support. These offerings contribute to a well‑rounded, reliable benefits foundation.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Entry‑level operations roles advertise site‑specific starting pay with regularly scheduled increases. Publicly posted entry rates and promised regular increases can help satisfaction early on.
The Jackson Laboratory Insights
What We Do
Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart Disease. Parkinson’s. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA. Founded in 1929, we are an NCI-designated Cancer Center since 1983 and an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization with over 90 years of experience in genetics and genomics research. JAX blends the brightest minds with state-of-the-art resources to accelerate discovery. Areas of Discovery (75+ Principal Investigators, >250 Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and D.V.M.s): • Cancer: We are a National Cancer Institute designated Cancer Center focusing on cancer initiation, progression, prevention and therapies. • Developmental/reproductive biology: birth defects, Down syndrome, osteoporosis, fertility • Immunology: HIV-AIDS, anemia, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, immune disorders, lupus, transplant rejection • Metabolic diseases: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, microbiome • Neurobiology: blindness, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, deafness, epilepsy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases • Neurobehavioral disorders: autism, addiction, depression Supporting Global Research: • The JAX Mouse Repository and Scientific Services are among the premier resources available for biomedical research. Committed to Education: • Summer Student Program (undergrad & high school) • Teaching the Genome Generation Short Course • Ph.D. programs: U. Maine, Tufts University and U. Connecticut • Courses, Conferences and Workshops
