Website York University — Neural Control & Computation Lab and Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab
The Neural Control & Computation Lab and the Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab at York University are jointly hiring a full-time Research Assistant to support neurophysiology research with awake, behaving macaques and marmosets.
This is a good fit for someone who is confident with animals and experienced in positive-reinforcement training, whether that experience comes from research, a veterinary practice, or a zoological setting. Experience with non-human primates is an asset but is not required, and we are glad to train the right person.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This position is shared equally between two non-human primate laboratories at York University. Half your time will be spent in the Neural Control & Computation Lab (Dr. Jonathan Michaels), which studies how the brain learns and generates skilled behaviour and works with macaques. The other half will be spent in the Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab (Dr. Liya Ma, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neurophysiology), which studies the neural basis of flexible decision-making and works with marmosets. Both laboratories record from large populations of single neurons in awake, behaving animals. You will work with both colonies and with both investigators.
The labs are housed in York University’s new Neuroscience Facility, with access to shared infrastructure including MRI and CT, and are 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.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Working closely with the Principal Investigators, 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. There are real opportunities for authorship on scientific publications.
You will be trained in our procedures and in the handling and behavioural training of both species. As that training progresses you will take on independent responsibility for running and evaluating experiments.
• 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 appropriate written documentation of research procedures and outcomes
• Maintain inventory of laboratory disposables
• Assist in other laboratory and research functions as assigned
• 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
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and training
• A college diploma or university degree in veterinary technology, animal science, psychology, neuroscience, kinesiology, biology, or a related field
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification is an asset
Experience
• At least one (1) year of hands-on work with animals in a research, veterinary, zoological, or comparable setting
• Experience training animals using positive-reinforcement methods, with any species
• Experience with non-human primates is an asset, but is not required — we are glad to train the right person
• Prior research or laboratory experience is welcome but not essential
Skills
• Confidence and calm around animals, and a careful approach to handling
• 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
• A willingness to learn the procedures, techniques, and regulations this work involves
What we ask of you
• Work ethically, with close attention to rigour and transparency
• Be considerate of your colleagues, and proactive about asking for help when you need it
• Manage your own time and priorities, and keep the lab clean, organized, and safe
HOURS
35 hours per week, most of which occurs Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, with the weekly schedule set in consultation with the Principal Investigators. The position requires occasional flexible hours to provide care after surgical procedures or other veterinary treatments, and to respond to emergencies or unusual circumstances. This is a one-year term, renewable.
COMPENSATION
$62,000 to $72,000 per year, commensurate with experience, plus benefits and 4% vacation pay.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume to both Jonathan Michaels (jmichae@yorku.ca) and Liya Ma (liyama@yorku.ca). You can read more about the two laboratories at ncclab.ca and cogneurophys.org. We will review applications as they arrive and continue until the position is filled.
This posting is for a current vacancy. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants; every application is reviewed personally by the Principal Investigators.
Both laboratories welcome 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. We recognize that science has not offered equal opportunity to everyone, and we follow the Equity-Minded Mentoring Toolkit in our hiring and mentoring practices. 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.
To apply for this job email your details to jmichae@yorku.ca