Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

The Sosa Lab studies how the brain forms, stores, and retrieves memories. We are particularly interested in how learning and memory processes change depending on the cognitive and physiological state of the animal – in other words, how does the brain prioritize what to remember according to the demands on the organism? A branch of the lab focuses on a dramatic physiological demand that is extremely understudied: the effects of pregnancy and the postpartum period on the maternal brain. Our research uses behaving rodents (mice and rats) as a model system and spans a variety of systems and circuit neuroscience techniques.

We strive to create a supportive lab environment where all team members are valued and are motivated to work together to tackle challenging scientific problems. We value creativity, communication, transparency, collaboration, and rigorous science. As a new lab, the PRA/lab manager will interact closely with Dr. Sosa, who is committed to providing all lab members with the scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals. The PRA/lab manager will assist Dr. Sosa and other researchers with experimental work, including handling and training animals. Additional responsibilities include ordering supplies and maintaining lab inventory, scheduling meetings and social events, and general lab organization.

Assist lab members with research experiments:

• Prepare laboratory reagents and supplies
• Handle and train animals on behavioral tasks
• Perform histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and other techniques to assist in data collection, including in vivo
• Assist in neural and behavioral data processing and validation
• Keep a well-organized lab notebook

Maintain laboratory supplies and resources:

• Order supplies and track orders
• Maintain stocks of laboratory consumables
• Keep laboratory inventory and databases up to date

General lab organization and management:

• Help schedule meetings and book meeting space
• Participate in lab meetings
• Organize lab supplies and layout
• Coordinate equipment servicing
• Coordinate lab-sponsored social events
• Assist Dr. Sosa in onboarding and training new lab members
• Assist Dr. Sosa with EH&S and safety compliance

Animal colony management:

• Maintain animal colony and keep appropriate records
• Manage mouse breeding, weaning, and genotyping
• Interact with the Office of Animal Resources (OAR), veterinary staff, and IACUC, and help ensure lab compliance with university regulations

The anticipated start date for this position is October 1, 2025.

The annual salary for this full-time position is $40,000 - $45,000, commensurate with education and experience. 

• BA or BS degree in biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for science
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong and timely interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team
• Prior experience handling or training mice or rats
• Willingness to learn new skills
• 1 year prior laboratory experience

• Previous experience executing an independent research project is preferred
• Greater than 1 year prior laboratory experience
• Familiarity with programming basics preferred (Python, R, or Matlab; Github)
• Ability to commit at least two years' duration to the position