Research Specialist, Emory Primate Center

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu

The Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking two full time Research Specialists to join our team. This position will report directly to Dr. Jessica Raper. Our behavioral neuroscience research consists of longitudinal behavioral testing, neuroimaging, and hormone measures. Many of our projects are developmental, studying the long-term consequences of early life perturbations to the brain. Our research is growing, which creates opportunities for Research Specialists to present and publish exciting behavioral neuroscience data from the lab.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are interested, or have experience, working in animal laboratory research and if you are interested in exploring how infectious diseases can impact brain and behavior development, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly change human lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

The ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude and passion for research. The Research Specialist will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab members and center members. The Research Specialist will work to ensure the highest quality of laboratory research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory, and media preparation.
• Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
• Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.
• Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
• Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
• Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, anthropology, biology, chemistry, or other scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience with eye tracking (e.g. Tobii or ISCAN) experience is preferred but not required.
• Previous animal handling (e.g. rodent, nonhuman primate, domesticated pets or livestock) experience is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience with behavioral scoring (in humans or in animal models) is preferred but not required.
• Computer skills, such as experience with excel or programming (e.g. R studio, Mathlab) are a preferred but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is normally performed in a laboratory environment.
• Work environment involves working with biohazardous blood and tissues.
• Requires the ability to lift 50-70lbs.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

Emory NPRC in conjunction with Emory University conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which may include an INA and criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, drug screening, requirement of various vaccinations, and health assessment. Employment is contingent upon a clear background screening.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.