Research Scientist

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Job Description

Glimpse of the Job

The Swinford-Jackson laboratory in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist to investigate the molecular mechanisms of drug craving. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, attentive to detail, and a rigorous and creative scientist with interests in elucidating the neurocircuitry and neurobiology underlying aspects of methamphetamine craving. Major techniques used in the laboratory include rodent behavioral assays, rodent in vivo surgery, single nuclei sequencing approaches, qPCR and other molecular biology approaches, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Perform rodent surgeries including intravenous catheterization and stereotactic viral vector and/or implant delivery

• Perform rodent behavioral assays including drug self-administration

• Perform molecular biology experiments including qPCR and single nuclei sequencing

• Perform immunohistochemistry and/or RNAScope and imaging by microscopy

• Assist in managing rat colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and recordkeeping

• Collect, record, maintain and analyze experimental data

• Prepare presentations of results for lab meetings and conferences

• Prepare manuscripts for publication of research results

• Supervise and contribute to hands-on training of undergraduate research assistants, technicians, and graduate students

• Assist in recordkeeping, amendment and implementation of safety protocols,

• Assist in lab ordering and supply inventory

• Attend and present at lab meetings, conferences, and journal clubs

• Participate in other scientific and professional development opportunities

Qualifications:

• PhD in a related field.

• Six years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.

A well qualified candidate may also possess:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Psychology, Biology or related field.

• Experience in rodent surgical techniques.

• Experience with rodent handling and/or behavioral paradigms.

• Experience with protein biochemistry and/or molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to immunohistochemistry, Western blot, qPCR, RNA sequencing, etc.

• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

• Highly motivated and attentive to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills to engage in a collaborative environment

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Working knowledge of office software

• Strong scientific background and ability to critically evaluate experimental data

• Excellent troubleshooting and critical thinking skills

• Technical competency in relevant at least a subset of experimental procedures

• Ability and intent to learn new technical skills

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

Special Note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

What You Need to Do:

Apply! Submitting a cover letter and resume is strongly recommended and will help us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is engaged in research that falls into all five graduate areas of specialization:

• Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience

• Clinical Psychology

• Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Psychology

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• Social & Personality Psychology

In addition to the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences 5 areas of specialization, we have overlapping research interests that bridge traditional areas of psychology. These primary research themes include Affective Science; Diversity Science; Neuroscience; Personality and Individual Differences. To learn more please visit our site at psychological -brain-sciences/index.html

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts , and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.