UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The successful applicant will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing experiments investigating neurobiological mechanisms underlying the role of the corticostriatal circuit in drug seeking. The candidate will assist the lab director in building hypotheses, analyzing experiment results in the context of scientific literature, writing manuscripts, and writing in submitting grants for extramural support.

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

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

35% - Conducts drug self-administration behavioral studies, performs intracranial and catheter implantation surgeries in mice. Monitors catheter and cannula placement throughout and at the end of each study. Manages mouse breeding colonies to maintain appropriate levels of transgenic animals as needed for rodent studies. Performs 2-photon microscopy in combination with mouse behavior (imaging and stimulation with optogenetic constructs). Performs behavioral optogenetic and chemogenetic mouse experiments

35% - Mentors and trains doctoral students in a multitude of lab techniques such as 2P calcium imaging, mouse self-administration used to study reward circuitry, mouse surgical procedures, behavioral optogenetics and chemogenetics. Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results and identifies and troubleshoots unexpected results. Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures. Works to develop and secure research funding (writing grants). Prepares manuscripts on results for publication

30% - Works with a broad range of collaborators to deliver research in the area of addiction neuroscience. Identifies opportunities for publications and research funding. Analyses and presents data, and prepares abstracts and manuscripts for dissemination. Leads and collaborates on peer-reviewed journal submissions.

Additional knowledge and skills: A candidate must have extensive experience with in vivo behavioral assays of substance abuse, a familiarity with substance abuse literature, experience in calcium imaging and associated analysis, and a history of publications.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent with two years postdoctorate experience

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent)

Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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