Staff Research Associate - Psychiatry - 140942

The UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under general supervision, incumbent will be responsible for managing all aspects of animal research and focusing on rodent model experiments in a dynamic behavioral research lab, performing at full operational skill level for the ongoing diverse and complex research programs related to substance use disorders within the Department of Psychiatry. The position requires expertise in behavioral pharmacology, rodent behavioral assessment, surgical procedures and general laboratory skills. Perform and direct others in the functional and neuropathological testing/exams of rodents including implementation of new testing paradigms, maintenance of animal testing laboratory/equipment, and independent oversight of research colonies; Responsible for independent preparation and design of study, protocols, tracking data and data analysis, make significant innovative contributions towards research goals and independently perform experiments making technical determinations and/or observations related to research and pertaining to the design and overall direction of research projects and proposes possible changes or new directions when appropriate; Present data in meetings, coordinate studies with collaborators; Conduct wide variety of non-standard procedures; Administer/dispense drugs/compounds to rodents including vapor inhalation methods and independently anesthetize rodents and perform surgical procedures including intravenous catheterization, tissue/sample collection including non-terminal blood collection; Process postmortem tissues, as well as conduct initial preparation for laboratory assays. Also responsible for general laboratory maintenance and safety, shipping, handling biological substances, train and provide work direction to other research lab personnel. Must be able to assist with other project and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Theoretical knowledge such as Behavioral Pharmacology, Experimental Psychology OR equivalent combination of education and experience including lab experience.

• Demonstrated experience performing laboratory or experimental work that requires a combination of journey level knowledge and skill in two ordinarily distinct fields/scientific disciplines OR demonstrated experience undertaking research projects in collaboration with academic supervisors making innovative contributions pertaining to laboratory or experimental procedures.

• Extensive experience in research technical procedures, such as the behavioral training and testing of rodents, surgical implantation of intravenous catheters, drug administration, blood and tissue collection. Proven experience and demonstrated theoretical knowledge of normal physiological data of rodents, particularly rats, and skill in the recognition of abnormal behavior and health.

• Extensive experience with all aspects of rat handling methods, surgical procedures and injections (intravenous, inter-cranial, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and vapor inhalation) and maintenance of water system, cage and water bottles.

• Advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in designing, creating and organizing research projects, under general direction. Strong experimental background in techniques applicable to studies involving rat models and performing testing/exams on rats.

• Demonstrated experience in animal surgery, tissue and blood collection.

• Demonstrated experience in rodent anesthesia and surgery.

• Extensive experience in the administration of medications/compounds to rodents: all routes of injection including intravenous (IV). Skilled in the humane methods of euthanasia in laboratory animals.

• Demonstrated ability and knowledge to train employees in proper procedures and methods involved in caring for laboratory animals.

• Solid computer skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email system, and a variety of web-based programs. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain databases, perform standard computer tasks, learn new programs/applications with minimal direction, and exercise fast and accurate data entry skills. Demonstrated commitment to update/maintain technology skills with relevant computer software.

• Independently execute behavioral and pharmacological experiments with rodents using standard testing equipment such as operant chambers, rotor rod, open field, water maze, buried pellet.

• Proven ability to express verbally or in writing, information on one's position, plan of action, evaluation or interpretation in a professional, logical, clear, effective, concise, and courteous manner. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience consulting with academic supervisors on the nature and plan of approach to research problems and contributing original ideas.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Excellent organization skills and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate data records from detailed observation of experimentation, and to transcribe precise, cogent results for possible scientific journal publication.

• Demonstrated experience in performing basic biochemistry and laboratory techniques and demonstrated experience to prepare buffers and solutions.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with other staff members, students, faculty and scientists. Skill and knowledge to collaborate with colleagues. Ability to effectively participate and contribute to discussions regarding procedures and goals of the research and lab.

• Proven knowledge of purchasing, receiving, storing, distributing, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies.

• Demonstrated experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies, disposal of radioactive and biohazard waste and equipment (assembly, installation and maintenance).

• Advanced knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to animal care preferably including knowledge of standard IACUC policies and procedures regarding care and use of animals.

• Demonstrated experience with laboratory use of Schedule I drugs, including demonstrated experience in documentation and distribution under the relevant requirements.

• Knowledge of MedAssociates software and programming.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must work with hazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work in an animal research related work environment including work with rodents.

• Must be willing to work flexible work schedule to complete experiments as necessary.

• Must be willing to work in close proximity to hazardous materials.

• Requires work with biohazardous chemicals and Schedule controlled drugs.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.