UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Neurosciences

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

13d

About The Position

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, will conduct experiments focused on elucidating brain mechanisms underlying ethanol abuse and dependence. The work will involve using mouse models to study biological and environmental factors that influence ethanol self-administration, dependence, withdrawal, and relapse. This includes testing potential therapeutic agents on neurobehavioral and neuropharmacological aspects of acute and chronic ethanol actions on brain function. Job tasks include administering ethanol/drug treatments, testing mice using computer programmed procedures, collection of various tissues for analysis, performing biochemical assays, data collection and transfer, statistical analysis, graphic and tabular presentation of data, and report writing.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
• Ability to climb, using step stool.
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries.
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
• Ability to fully use both legs.
• Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction.
• Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted.
• Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level.
• Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally.
• Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems.
• Ability to hear and/or understand conversations.
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc.
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform various experimental procedures including preparation of chemical reagents and drug solutions, delivery of pharmacologic agents to mice by various routes of administration according to specific dosing regimens, conduct stereotaxic surgery for implanting guide cannulae in target brain regions for microdialysis/microinjection studies, and execute protocols for behavioral testing of mice, including models of ethanol self-administration and relapse, operant drug discrimination, and withdrawal-related anxiety and seizure activity.
• Perform procedures for collection of various tissue and fluid specimens from mice for subsequent analysis, as dictated by experimental procedures. Assist with preparation and execution of biochemical assay procedures to determine concentrations of drugs and/or other chemicals/molecules in blood and brain tissue as well as genotyping activities.
• Collect, transfer, and maintain accurate computer-based data spreadsheets, perform assigned statistical analysis of data, and present data summaries in graphic or tabular forms.
• Perform daily animal maintenance and husbandry activities in support of the research program and in accordance with regulatory policies
• Develop plans and coordinate experimental schedules in consultation with the PI and lab supervisor for conducting laboratory procedures in the context of a large research program.
• Calibrate, troubleshoot, and make minor adjustments of computerized testing equipment and other laboratory instruments following consultation with immediate supervisor. Perform other duties, including (but is not limited to) conducting literature searches, copying documents, assist in maintenance of literature databases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees