Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Creed lab in the Department of Anesthesiology seeks a research scientist with expertise in in vivo electrophysiology to join our team. Chronic pain afflicts over 20% of the population, and is characterized by affective symptoms (anhedonia, apathy and depressed mood) that negatively impact pain management. Research in our lab seeks to understand the basis for these affective symptoms. We focus on synaptic plasticity within genetically-defined neural circuits in the basal ganglia and thalamocortical networks.

We combine patch clamp and in vivo electrophysiology, RNA-sequencing, biophysical modeling of neurons and computational models of behavior to understand how chronic pain and opioid analgesics alters plasticity in neural circuits, and how changes in these neural circuits drive negative affect and changes in cognition. We seek to translate (and back translate!) results of our findings. Our ultimate goal is to use these insights to develop novel neuromodulation therapies to treat affective and cognitive symptoms of chronic pain disorders.

The successful candidate will apply electrophysiological approaches to multiple collaborative projects in the lab and will have opportunities to independently lead projects. Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.

• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.

• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.

• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.

• Conducts literature searches related to research project.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.