Senior Research Specialist – Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

The Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a highly motivated and talented Senior Research Specialist to join our team. Our work consists of investigating the genetic and neural mechanisms of social behavior using the highly social prairie vole, a hamster-sized rodent.

The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and have a positive attitude and passion for research. The Senior Research Specialist will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab members and center members. The team member will work to ensure the highest quality of laboratory research support, and has excellent communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory research experience who is familiar with handling animals and analyzing brain tissue, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently performs a wide range of highly technical and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures.
• Devises highly specialized research procedures by applying knowledge of advanced research techniques and equipment.
• Provides input to protocol development.
• Serves as a technical resource for other research personnel.
• Analyzes and interprets the results of studies.
• Investigates and recommends alternative approaches to improve the quality of results.
• Trains research staff in specialized procedures and theoretical concepts for unique tests.
• Recommends new equipment and supplies needed for specialized procedures.
• Provides input into the development of departmental goals and objectives.
• May assist in grant and other funding application preparation.
• Review literature for related research developments and techniques.
• Prepares written materials, charts and graphs on specialized techniques and research results for publication or presentation.
• Oversees quality assurance of research performed by others.
• Monitors the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field and four years of research experience, OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, PCR, in-situ hybridization, and microscopy/imaging.
• Experience handling laboratory rodents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, and cloud sharing platforms.
• Comfortable learning new wet lab techniques.
• Comfortable learning new software programs and/or online platforms.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• The general work schedule will be communicated during the pre-screen or interview.
• Work environment involves working with biohazardous blood and tissues.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.
• Research team is inclusive and diverse.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

Emory NPRC in conjunction with Emory University conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which may include an INA and criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, drug screening, health assessment, requirement of various vaccinations (including COVID-19 plus one booster if job requires hands-on contact with animals/NHP). Employment is contingent upon a clear background screening.