Animal Models Core Scientist, Senior

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:  Animal Models Core Scientist, Sr.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Animal Models Core Scientist, Sr. is responsible for overseeing rodent testing to provide a wide range of in vivo tests to the Scripps Research community as well as to the greater San Diego research community and beyond. A primary focus of this core is to provide tests that allow investigators to make transitions from laboratory findings to clinical applications by enabling the modeling of human diseases and the development of medications and other treatment strategies.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

• Oversees and implements rodent behavioral and physiological testing, surgical procedures, compound administration protocols, and brain and tissue harvesting.
• Offers training in all core services, experimental design advice, help with IACUC animal protocol submission, assistance with grant proposals and papers, data analysis, and results interpretation/follow-up study advice.
• Meets with potential core users and works collaboratively to design test batteries and experimental plans, including modification to existing tests and the development of new tests.
• Prepares service quotes, invoices, and annual budgets.
• Assists with managing a team of 6-8 employees + interns.
• Supports a diverse inter- and multi-disciplinary research environment by meeting challenges through innovative and creative problem solving.

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Psychological Sciences, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in rodent behavioral testing.
• Experience with at least two of the following techniques:
• Rodent intracranial cannulation surgery and injections
• Rodent electroencephalography: surgical preparation and data analysis
• Rodent intravenous jugular catheterization surgery
• Rodent brain microdissection
• Rodent intracardiac perfusion techniques
• People management and teaching and/or mentoring experience required.
• Experience with IACUC processes and writing protocols preferred.
• Excellent experimental design and data analysis skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management skills, and communication skills- both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse array of people from a wide variety of cultural and educational backgrounds, individually or in groups.
• Must be willing to spend ~25% time doing hands-on laboratory work.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks; completing assigned tasks in an organized, timely fashion while meeting all target deadlines.
• Must be a highly motivated, self-starter with meticulous attention to detail.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Will work with laboratory animals, work under red and dim lighting conditions, utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), work in biocontainment facilities, work with anesthetics and scheduled drugs, stand for long periods of time and lift equipment of at least 10 pounds. May include: Stationary position for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; expos