Job Description

Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II

The Orsini Lab is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented full-time Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II to support a newly funded R01 project investigating the neural circuit mechanisms of risky decision making and substance use. The associate will play an integral role in daily lab operations and ongoing behavioral neuroscience research using preclinical rodent models. This position offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in systems and behavioral neuroscience.

1 year fixed-term with possibility of extension.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission.

Purpose

The Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II will work closely with Dr. Caitlin Orsini, Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neurology, and lab manager Megan Kelly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rodent behavioral experiments (rats), with emphasis on operant-based tasks and drug self-administration tasks.
• Perform systemic and intracranial injections.
• Perform stereotaxic surgeries and provide post-operative care.
• Contribute to histological and cellular assays in the wet lab (e.g., immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization).
• Maintain accurate animal records, chemical and reagent inventories, and standard operating procedures.
• Uphold lab cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
• Support data collection, entry, and management across ongoing projects.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related biological science required; candidates without a master's degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience working in a behavioral neuroscience laboratory (paid or unpaid).
• Direct experience working with rats. This is an absolute requirement. Applicants will not be considered if there is no prior experience working with rats.
• Experience performing systemic or subcutaneous injections in rodents.
• Strong organizational and data management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable and flexible regarding working hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a lab manager or research technician.
• Experience with stereotaxic surgery and/or intracranial injections in rodents.
• Familiarity with histological techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, Nissl staining) and fluorescence microscopy.
• Exposure to viral vector approaches (optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry).
• Experience with basic statistical analysis and/or data visualization.

Salary Range

$42,000 - $50,256

Working Conditions

• Personal protective equipment provided.
• Work environments include standard office, animal vivarium, and wet lab settings.
• May work around biohazards and chemicals under appropriate safety protocols.
• Physical requirements include keyboard use, manual dexterity, stair climbing, and lifting/moving materials.

Work Shift

Reliable and flexible regarding working hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed).

Required Materials

Please submit the following as a single PDF:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position
• Contact information for three professional references (at least one must be a direct supervisor)

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