Intern/Aide

Summary

Program Activities SURFiN provides funds to the host laboratory’s institution for an in-person, paid research fellowship for undergraduate students during the 2026–2027 academic year, September 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. SURFiN mentors and fellows participate in virtual and in-person career development and community-building activities. Mentors are strongly encouraged to attend a series of virtual mentor training sessions (details to be announced). SURFiN fellows are invited and expected to travel to the Simons Foundation in New York City to present a poster of their research at the 2027 SURFiN Symposium. Typically, the fellow is the first author of this poster. The lab is expecting the symposium to be held in April 2027. For out-of town fellows and mentors, the Simons Foundation will coordinate and cover the cost of travel and lodging required to attend. This position is 10 hours per week for 30 weeks.

Job Duties

• Explores how a pathway involving insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) helps stabilize brain circuits during early development.
• Works on disruptions in this pathway are linked to epilepsy and autism, but do not yet understand how molecular changes translate into abnormal network activity.
• Trains in basic neurophysiology techniques using mouse brain slices.
• Begins with field electrophysiology, where the student will record electrical activity from groups of neurons in the hippocampus and cortex.
• Learns how to measure synaptic strength, network excitability, and plasticity using input–output curves, paired-pulse responses, and long-term potentiation assays.
• Observes or assists with more advanced single-cell recordings.
• Develops skills in experimental design, quantitative analysis, and translational neuroscience.
• Contributes to research aimed at identifying critical developmental windows for preventing epilepsy-related circuit instability.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in high school, trade/vocational school or higher education institution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate student in Neuroscience.
• Experience in data analysis, statistics, and scientific presentation.