Research Assistant

The Neural Control & Computation Lab at York University is hiring a part-time Research Assistant to support neurophysiology research with awake, behaving non-human primates.

**About the lab**

We study how the brain learns and generates skilled behaviour, recording from large populations of single neurons in non-human primates using high-density Neuropixels probes — including a recently developed capability for wireless, chronic recordings during naturalistic behaviour. Our longer-term aim is to improve the restoration of arm and hand function lost to trauma and disease. The lab is housed in York’s new Neuroscience Facility and is 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 committed to each lab member’s growth, whether that leads on to science, healthcare, business, or government.

**The role**

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, 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. We’re open to someone who contributes intellectually, and there are real opportunities for authorship on scientific publications.

**Major duties**

– 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
– 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**

– Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, kinesiology, animal science, or a related field
– Registered Veterinary Technician and Registered Laboratory Animal Technician certifications are an asset
– At least one (1) year as a research assistant or in a comparable role in a biomedical research setting; neuroscience research experience is a plus
– Experience in behavioural training of animals and performance monitoring
– Handling and care of non-human primates
– 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

**Schedule**

20 hours per week, worked as a four-hour session every weekday, Monday to Friday. Sessions normally fall between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, with the daily timing set in consultation with the Principal Investigator. The position requires occasional flexible hours to provide care after surgical procedures or other veterinary treatments, and to respond to emergencies or unusual circumstances.

**How to apply**

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jonathan Michaels at jmichae@yorku.ca. You can read more about our research at ncclab.ca and our full values statement at ncclab.ca/values. 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 Investigator.

The Neural Control & Computation Lab welcomes 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. 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.

Tagged as: animal training, non-human primates, part time, research, rlat, RVT