Research Specialist

Position Summary:
The principal function of this position is to provide support for ongoing research efforts related to the development of novel treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. The Research Specialist will be a key individual contributor responsible for setting up and conducting in vivo EEG and behavioral experiments, reporting data, and continuing research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. Primary responsibilities will include general laboratory organization and support, laboratory rodent husbandry, colony maintenance and organization. Assists in other laboratory and research functions. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Specialist works with faculty, staff, and key internal/external stakeholders.

About the Work Unit:
Dr. Jones’ laboratory of in vivo and translational pharmacology characterizes the in vivo effects of novel compounds developed by the WCNDD in rodent models with the goal of developing novel therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Successful candidates for this position will interface with members among all areas of the WCNDD, including those in molecular pharmacology, chemistry, in vitro and in vivo drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and in vivo pharmacology.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Under limited supervision, set up, conduct experiments, report data, and continue in vivo research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. Assist in other laboratory and research functions. Help with the training of new personnel.
• Design, conduct, and analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected from Data Sciences International telemetry implanted mice and rats.
• Design, conduct, and analyze circadian rhythm data collected in mice and rats.
• Design, conduct, and analyze behavioral pharmacology data collected in mice and rats.
• Perform surgical procedures to implant EEG and EMG recording electrodes in mice and rat.
• Performs neuroanatomical studies, including perfusions, cutting of brains, and histochemical/immunohistochemical staining on brain tissue.
• Analyzes results using computer-aided data analysis software programs.
• Maintains accurate databases and experimental notebooks of results.
• Communicates results in a timely fashion to an integrated team of multidisciplinary scientists.
• Available to work with varying schedule with start time between 6:00am and 8:00am, including weekends.
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, biohazardous materials and
• fluids/tissues, and/or carcinogens).
• Becomes familiar with IACUC protocols and compliance. Assists with laboratory animal care as needed.
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions. Handle small animals and
prepare them for behavioral and/or EEG experiments. Administer small molecule compounds PO, IP or IV.
• Draw brain and blood at specific time points and prepare samples for shipping to DMPK lab.
• Periodically aliquot, label, and distribute liquid stocks of small molecule compounds.
• Maintain up to date, accurate, and standardized records of colony and experiments/assays.
• Assist with general laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and consumables.
• Help in the training of new personnel.

Education and Certifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related is necessary
• Specific experience in the design, conduct, and analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) data in rodents.
• 1-2 years experience in the design, conduct, and analysis of circadian rhythm data in rodents.
• Familiarity with the basics of Microsoft Excel
• Comfortable with close, safe handling of mammalian biological fluids/tissues
• Ability to clearly communicate research results, ideas, and concerns
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, as well as basic computer skills are strongly preferred
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills are necessary
• Attention to detail is necessary
• Team player is necessary
• Ability to clearly communicate research results, ideas, and concerns
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, as well as basic computer skills are strongly preferred
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills are necessary
• Attention to detail is necessary
• Team player is necessary