Research Specialist

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience at the Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) of Emory University is seeking a full-time Research Specialist. The research focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying increased risk for psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and substance use disorders in individuals who experience early life stress. This position will report directly to Dr. Mar Sanchez. The lab uses nonhuman primate models to understand stress-induced risk for psychostimulant abuse, funded by an NIH/NIDA R01 grant. The Research Specialist will assist lab personnel in working with nonhuman primates (rhesus monkeys) to study risks for psychiatric disorders in humans, including substance use disorder. After training, the new hire will perform laboratory procedures including animal training and behavioral testing, collection of blood samples for hormonal measures, washing/sterilizing experimental equipment, sample processing, data entry, and keeping animal records. The ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, and a strong passion for behavioral research, with the ability to closely and reliably follow standard operating procedures. The Research Specialist will be a team player willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab and center members, ensuring high-quality laboratory research support. Good communication skills with co-workers, the lab manager (Erin Siebert), PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services are essential. Emory's Yerkes National Primate Research Center is dedicated to advancing science and improving human and non-human primate health and well-being. Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) is committed to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures for disease, improving human and animal health worldwide. As one of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, ENBRC conducts studies that lead to breakthrough discoveries.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
Motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude and strong passion for behavioral research.
Ability to closely/reliably follow standard operating procedures.
Team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab members and center members.
Good communication skills with co-workers, the lab manager (Erin Siebert), PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services.

Nice To Haves

Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
Previous experience working with nonhuman primates, or other big animals.
Behavioral testing, animal training, blood draws with animals.
Basic knowledge of pharmacology, preparation of solutions, calculations of concentrations y dilutions.
Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data entry/management.
Familiarity with Behavioral Neuroscience or Endocrinology with nonhuman primate animal models.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation.
Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.
Assist lab personnel in work with nonhuman primates (rhesus monkeys) to study risks for psychiatric disorders in humans, including substance use disorder.
Perform work in laboratory procedures that involve animal training and behavioral testing.
Perform collection of blood samples for hormonal measures.
Perform washing/sterilizing experimental equipment.
Perform sample processing.
Perform data entry.
Keep animal records.