Hourly Research Specialist - Pharmacology and Toxicology

Manage mouse colonies, prepare drugs, and handle mice, including intraperitoneal and subcutaneous drug administration. Conduct behavioral assays, including place conditioning, Y-maze, warm-water tail-withdrawal, hot-plate paw-withdrawal, and locomotor testing, using our animal models to determine behavioral differences and monoamine transporter function and expression between knock-in and wild-type mouse models. Conduct all experiments efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with lab protocols. Use animals appropriately and humanely, following all guidelines. Recognize unexpected or inconsistent results and seek assistance from the supervisor. Achieve consistent experimental outcomes. Prioritize and coordinate experiment requests from lab managers. Exercise sound judgment and decision-making to determine appropriate procedures. Document results from each experiment thoroughly, accurately, and promptly. Compile data for reports, identify test outcomes, and discuss results with PIs. Catalog results and other materials. Clean and sterilize glassware and instruments according to lab procedures. Monitor laboratory stock and notify managers when ordering is required. Maintain laboratory cleanliness. Weekend work may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required. A minimum of an undergraduate degree in pharmacology, biochemistry, neuroscience, molecular biology, or a closely related field is required. Must have good communication skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to conduct thoughtful, independent experiments.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in mouse colony management and rodent handling, and intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration of drugs is preferred. Previous experience conducting behavioral assays using mouse models, including place conditioning, Y-maze, warm water tail-withdrawal, hot-plate paw withdrawal, and locomotor assays, is desired. Experience in conducting transporter functional assays and Western blot analysis is also favorable.