UNIV - Research Specialist - Department of Neurosciences

Overview

Job Description Summary

The Gowrishankar Lab at the Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Specialist I to join our laboratory as a technician. This position is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and concepts, gain comprehensive research experience and contribute to new discoveries in the field of systems neuroscience. The Gowrishankar lab endeavors to uncover the neurobiological basis of motivated behaviors and how these basic mechanisms go awry in mouse models of substance use disorders, major depressive disorders and chronic pain.

The lab utilizes a variety of systems neuroscience techniques including anatomical tracing, in-situ hybridization, opto- and chemo-genetics, and in vivo two-photon imaging. Only prior experience in mouse handling is required; however, enthusiasm for neuroscience research, and motivation to generate new ideas and learn new skills should be present. For more details on the Gowrishankar Lab’s research and vision, please visit the Gowrishankar Lab website.

The ideal individual for this position is organized, detail-oriented, and intrinsically motivated with basic knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals and research techniques. They will be able to learn new research skills, provide experimental assistance when necessary, contribute to research manuscripts, and work well within a team. Training will be provided by the PI (Dr. Raaj Gowrishankar) on all aspects of the job description.

This position is suited for a recent college graduate with a STEM-related degree to gain additional research experience before moving on to graduate or medical school. This person will be part of a new and dynamic research laboratory and will help establish best lab practices and a productive working environment for future lab members.

Entity
:
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type
:
Employee

Worker Sub-Type
:
Research Grant

Cost Center
: CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Pay Rate Type
:
Hourly

Pay Grade
:
University-04

Pay Range
: 33,339.

- 61,680.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours
: 40

Work Shift

Job Description

JOB DUTIES

• 35% - Surgical and Behavioral Procedures in Mice: learn and perform intracranial mouse surgeries for opto/chemo genetics, anatomical tracing, gene manipulation and fiber photometry experiments. Conduct behavioral experimental procedures on these mice, including operant self-administration studies, operant drug-self administration studies, behavioral assays for chronic pain, and depressive-like behavior.
• 20% - General Lab Maintenance and Organization: inventory, order and maintain laboratory supplies and consumables; perform routine cleaning of the laboratory and animal behavior space; clean glassware; autoclave surgical supplies.
• 20% - Animal Husbandry: learn and assist in providing basic husbandry care for animals that are breeding and part of experimental studies; monitor and maintain mouse lines to facilitate experiments.
• 15% - Wet Lab Procedures with Tissue: learn and perform brain extractions and tissue collection; use tissue for ex-vivo techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization.
• 10% - Data Analyses: learn and assist in data analysis from these procedures using computational and statistical analyses in MATLAB and Python.

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years of work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may substitute for the two years of required experience.

Physical Requirements: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift;
Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift;
Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift. Includes ability to perform job functions in upright, seated, walking, and other postures; ability to lift up to 20 lbs unassisted and other listed physical tasks; tolerance for work in various conditions and environments; respirator qualification as needed.

Additional New Requirements: Ability to work rotating shifts as required, overtime as required, and to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working…