UNIV - Research Specialist I - Psychiatry: Addiction Sciences Division

Job Description Summary

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, will conduct experiments focused on elucidating brain mechanisms underlying ethanol abuse and dependence. The work will involve using mouse models to study biological and environmental factors that influence ethanol self-administration, dependence, withdrawal, and relapse. This includes testing potential therapeutic agents on neurobehavioral and neuropharmacological aspects of acute and chronic ethanol actions on brain function. Job tasks include administering ethanol/drug treatments, testing mice using computer programmed procedures, collection of various tissues for analysis, performing biochemical assays, data collection and transfer, statistical analysis, graphic and tabular presentation of data, and report writing.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001039 COM PSYCH Addiction Science CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

32,686.00 - 46,578.50 - 60,471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

FLSA: Hourly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Remote Work: n/a

Job Duties:

• 30% - Perform various experimental procedures including preparation of chemical reagents and drug solutions, delivery of pharmacologic agents to mice by various routes of administration according to specific dosing regimens, conduct stereotaxic surgery for implanting guide cannulae in target brain regions for microdialysis/microinjection studies, and execute protocols for behavioral testing of mice, including models of ethanol self-administration and relapse, operant drug discrimination, and withdrawal-related anxiety and seizure activity.
• 20% - Perform procedures for collection of various tissue and fluid specimens from mice for subsequent analysis, as dictated by experimental procedures. Assist with preparation and execution of biochemical assay procedures to determine concentrations
• 20% - Collect, transfer, and maintain accurate computer-based data spreadsheets, perform assigned statistical analysis of data, and present data summaries in graphic or tabular forms.
• 15% - Perform daily animal maintenance and husbandry activities in support of the research program and in accordance with regulatory policies.
• 10% - Develop plans and coordinate experimental schedules in consultation with the PI and lab supervisor for conducting laboratory procedures in the context of a large research program.
• 5% - Calibrate, troubleshoot, and make minor adjustments of computerized testing equipment and other laboratory instruments following consultation with immediate supervisor. Perform other duties, including (but is not limited to) conducting literature searches, copying documents, assist in maintenance of literature databases.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required 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. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb, using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted.