Job Description

We’re looking for a lab technician to join our team at the Padilla-Coreano Lab! 🧠🐭
We study how the brain controls social behavior: how we decide to compete or cooperate, how social rank is encoded in neural circuits, and how those circuits break down in disease. We use in vivo electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, behavioral assays, and machine learning in mice to tackle these questions. Experience with rodent research is important, and Python or other coding experience is a plus. Our technician will also help train the students who rotate through the lab.
We’re based in Gainesville, FL at the McKnight Brain Institute. This is a 2-year commitment.

Job Description:

The Padilla-Coreano Lab in the Neuroscience Department at the University of Florida is seeking a research assistant interested in social and behavioral neuroscience. The position involves working with mice and learning advanced neural circuit techniques such as optogenetics and electrophysiology.

Start Date: Flexible between Spring-Summer 2026 

Duties Include:

• Perform behavioral experiments in mice
• Perform mouse surgical procedures, such as stereotaxic craniotomies and perfusions
•  Assist with histological procedures
•   Build custom made electrodes
•  Setup and test behavioral equipment
•  Help with lab setup and organization and support duties relating to lab operations
•   Assist in behavioral and neural activity data collection and analysis 

Expected Salary: commensurate with experience and education level range ($40,000-$60,000)

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in STEM field
• 2 years of hands-on experience working with laboratory mice in a neuroscience lab.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous stereotaxic surgical experience in rodents
• Previous experience with social behavioral assays in mice, such as the tube test
• Previous experience with brain tissue sectioning, mounting, and imaging.
• Experience with Python
•  Actively seeking to learn new neuroscience lab skills and become a competitive PhD student Excellent organizational skills
•  Excellent organizational skills
•  Excellent interpersonal skills

Learn more about our lab here:  Padilla-Coreano Lab (padillacoreanolab.com)