Research Specialist | Translational Neuroscience Program

Pittsburgh, PA       ·       Full time

About the job

Description

The Department of Psychiatry and Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh offers a highly collaborative, top-notch research and training environment. The successful candidate(s) will become part of a large, multidisciplinary neuroscience community, and will have ample opportunities for collaboration. The laboratory of Dr. Susanne Ahmari in the Translational Neuroscience Program at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a Research Specialist to help support the lab. The Ahmari lab uses multiple advanced techniques for the analysis and manipulation of neural circuits in order to discover the molecular, cellular, and circuit abnormalities underlying Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents and solutions.
• Behavioral studies with rodents.
• General lab duties.
• Collect and analyze experimental data.
• Dissect brain tissue and perform histological analysis.
• Opportunities will also be available to learn in vivo fiber photometry, in vivo calcium imaging, and optogenetics.
• Preference for experience with stereotaxic surgery, including viral injections and implantation of cannulae.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with stakeholders and internal staff.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Provide support for grant proposal and manuscript development and submission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.
• Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a neuroscience or other biological science laboratory preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience with rodent experiments generally, with specific experience in the areas of rodent colony maintenance, genotyping, and behavioral experiments is preferred.
• Experience in stereotaxic surgery, optogenetics, immunohistochemistry, or mouse behavior preferred.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required. Matlab, Python, or R proficiency is preferred.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, And Clearances

• Act 34 with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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