Avian Lab Associate in Slough

This position will support Dr. Selmaan Chettih in studying black‑capped chickadees. The Lab Associate will join a team focused on understanding the neural mechanisms of memory, using food‑caching birds as a model system. The Lab Associate is based in New Haven, CT with intermittent fieldwork conducted at sites within a two‑hour radius.

Daily tasks include care, feeding and maintenance of birds housed in the lab, and assistance with behavioral and neurobiological experiments in the lab. The Associate will also support general lab operations including lab supply ordering, onboarding and training of lab members. Field work in the fall and winter consists of maintenance of field sites and mist‑netting to band and collect chickadees.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience capturing and handling wild birds (netting/mist‑netting).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to sites and transport animals in a vehicle.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, provide instruction and guidance, and contribute to the overall objectives of the research projects.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Advanced Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related scientific discipline.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory compliance, biosafety protocols, and ethical guidelines for human and animal research.
• Technical Competence: Ability to use and maintain specialized laboratory equipment and software, with expertise in handling and analyzing large data sets, and experience with environmental or clinical data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research, analyze and interpret experimental data.

Principal Responsibilities

• Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher‑level authority.
• Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning.
• Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.
• Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results.
• Maintains clear documentation of results.
• Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.
• Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning.
• Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.
• Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.