Research Assistant Positions: Circuit Mechanisms of Epilepsy
Smirnakis Lab (http://smirnakislab.bwh.harvard.edu/), Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
spring 2020

We are looking for students interested in studying how seizures modulate cortical circuit activity. The position will start as volunteer with the potential of developing into a part-time paid position in the future. Duties: Students will gain experience in performing and analyzing in vivo two photon imaging & electrophysiology experiments in mice to study mechanisms of epilepsy. Requirements: Strong interest, reliability and dedication are essential. Prior experience with animal experiments, rodent behavioral testing, 2-photon imaging and/or electrophysiology are desired but not required; the student will be trained to perform such experiments. Facility with programming (MATLAB, python, or C++) would also be helpful but not essential. Hours: Schedules will be determined on an individual basis but, at minimum, a 10-hr weekly commitment (on average) for at least one term is required (work may be done on site or remotely depending on task assigned). Mentoring: The student will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow (Joseph Lombardo) and will meet weekly with the PI (Dr Smirnakis) for scientific discussions, teaching/feedback and overall guidance. Our goal is to guide dedicated students with high interest towards developing the abilities to perform and analyze high quality experiments, co-author a publication and be gradually able to lead their own project. Mentorship can include formal teaching for course credit as well as guidance with senior thesis writing and graduate/medical school applications. How to Apply: If interested, please send your CV and a brief statement of intent to jlombardo2@bwh.harvard.edu & smsmirnakis@bwh.harvard.edu. (posted 1/2020)