The Drew lab is seeking applications from undergraduate (and post-bachelors) students interested in joining our team as a research assistant for paid positions starting in the Fall of 2021. We are a neuroscience lab located in the Norman Hackerman building at UT Austin. Broadly, we are interested in emotional forms of learning, the influence of stress on brain circuits, and how fearful memories are stored and retrieved in the brain. To accomplish these goals, we use mouse models in conjunction with cutting-edge tools like optogenetics, miniscope imagining, and viral vector tracing techniques. Undergraduate students will gain experience in a wide variety of neuroscience areas ranging from animal behavior to cell/molecular biology.
Interested applicants can apply by sending a resume and cover letter to kenji.nishimura@utexas.edu. Prior research experience is not necessary. Please include your current year in school, relevant coursework, research experience (prior experience not necessary), and a brief discussion of your goals and scientific / professional interests. Applicants who match positions will be invited to interview.
We strongly consider applicants who are able to join us for at least two semesters (the majority of our RA’s choose to stay beyond that). Successful applicants will be neuroscience or related majors, work well in collaborative environments, and are enthusiastic about the research we do.
In addition to attending weekly journal clubs and lab meetings, undergraduate research assistants work on a variety of projects which include:
- Fluorescent microscopy and image analysis
- Animal behavior and data collection
- Wet lab histology and molecular biology assays
- Construction of in vivo manipulation and imaging tools
