About the Job
The Noel Lab (noel-lab.org) in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota is seeking a full-time Research Assistant. This position is ideal for a recent graduate (B.A. or B.S.) or an individual with one to two years of experience as a research assistant in a rodent systems neuroscience laboratory who is looking to gain additional experience prior to pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Science, or Psychology. More senior candidates interested in a longer-term staff or senior scientist role are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Noel separately.
Primary responsibilities include:
• Rodent stereotaxic surgeries using aseptic technique (e.g., craniotomies)
• In vivo extracellular neurophysiology with silicon probes (e.g., Neuropixels)
• Rodent handling and behavioral shaping for head-fixed experiments
• Rodent husbandry, ordering, and coordination with veterinary staff
• Troubleshooting experimental setups and communicating issues to the Lab Director or Lab Engineer
• Maintaining water and weight logs
• Ordering laboratory supplies
• Spike sorting
• Perfusions and histology for probe localization, including work with the university imaging core
• Assistance with protocol preparation and IACUC compliance
The successful candidate will participate in all stages of experimental neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and neural data collection, small-animal surgery, and coordination with veterinary and IACUC personnel.
Job Responsibilities
80% Rodent Research and Daily Operations
• Perform rodent surgeries using aseptic techniques
• Conduct neurophysiological recordings
• Handle and behaviorally shape rodents for head-fixed tasks
• Conduct routine rodent husbandry and coordinate with veterinary staff
• Maintain water and weight logs
• Perform histology and probe-track reconstruction
20% Laboratory Management
• Order laboratory materials and supplies
• Troubleshoot equipment and experimental setups
• Coordinate with administrative staff on IACUC protocols and laboratory maintenance
Responsibilities may be adjusted based on the candidate’s skills and interests.
Salary Range: $41,600–$60,800 per year
Start Date: January 5, 2026, or as negotiated with the selected candidate.
About the Department
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.
The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota’s Medical School.
To apply
Option 1 (preferred):
Email CV and Cover Letter to PI Jean-Paul Noel (Noelx071 [at] umn [dot] edu).
Option 2: