UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Staff Scientist I conducts advanced in vivo and ex vivo neuroscience research focused on alcohol-related changes in neural and astrocyte function. This role performs stereotaxic surgeries, patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetic/chemogenetic behavioral studies, and fiber photometry in mouse models. The position is also responsible for analyzing complex datasets using specialized software and preparing publication-quality figures, manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations. In addition, the Staff Scientist I leads and supports laboratory personnel and contributes to scientific planning and data interpretation for ongoing research projects.

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:

25% - Perform ex vivo electrophysiology recordings using brain slices prepared from control and alcohol exposed mice. Experiments use patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics to measure alcohol-induced changes in intrinsic excitability, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and plasticity and responsiveness of astrocytes to various modulators. 

 

25% - Lead laboratory staff in behavioral studies of alcohol drinking in mice expressing chemogenetic and optogenetic constructs. These involve both homecage models of drinking and those using operant self-administration and are combined with fiber photometry recording of the activity of neurons and astrocytes.

20% - Perform stereotaxic surgeries on mice in preparation for in vivo behavioral and fiber photometry experiments and ex vivo slice electrophysiology experiments. The surgeries include fiber cannula implantation and injection of fluorescent retrobeads and/or viral constructs. This requires both fine-motor skills, knowledge of the anatomy of the mouse nervous system and prior expertise in stereotaxic brain surgery.

 

15% - Analyze the behavioral, electrophysiological and photometry data using specialized software (e.g. Med-Associates, Axograph, Synapse, Matlab) and perform statistical analysis using commercially available programs (e.g. Graphpad Prism, SPSS). Prepare summaries of experimental data for discussion at lab meetings with PI and staff.

 

15% - Prepare initial versions of manuscripts, abstracts and progress reports that include publication-quality figures, detailed experimental methods and drafts of the introduction, results and discussion sections. Prepare posters for presentation at national and international meetings.

Additional Job Description

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) Ab