HS​/Associate Scientist

HS/Associate Scientist 1

Funding available through 8/31/2026; continuance beyond that date is subject to the Department's operational needs as outlined in UBPPM #3200, Employee Classifications.

The Department of Neurosciences seeks an HS Associate Scientist 1 to work within a neurosciences research lab focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of drug and alcohol use/exposure.

The HS Associate Scientist 1 participates in the planning, development, and implementation of laboratory, clinical, and/or field research within a health science specialization. Designs and executes standard research studies within a narrowly-specified component of an integrated study. Analyzes, evaluates, and interprets data, and contributes as appropriate to the development of summary reports, presentations, and manuscripts associated with research findings.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position.

The University of New Mexico provides a diversified package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.

• Collaborates with and assists investigators or staff scientists in the planning, development, and implementation of laboratory, clinical, and/or field research studies.
• Designs and independently executes standard research methods, protocols, and procedures.
• Analyses, evaluates, and interprets research data, and prepares summations and inferences for review by investigators.
• Contributes as appropriate to the development of summary reports, presentations, and manuscripts associated with original research findings.
• Provides professional guidance, leadership, and instruction to technical support staff and/or students engaged in specific project activities; may provide full supervision to technical support staff, as appropriate.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

• Setting up and performing alcohol exposure experiments in mice.
• Performing stereotaxic survival surgery in mice to implant neural electrodes and infuse viruses.
• Performing behavioral testing in mice while recording neurophysiology and conducting optogenetics.
• Collect and prepare brain tissue for ultrastructural transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, slide scanning microscopy, or single nuclei sequencing.
• Performing histological sectioning and immunofluorescence histochemistry on mouse brain tissue.
• Performing confocal stereo logical analysis on histological sections.
• Compile and analyze data for publication and research presentations using the above-stated methodologies.
• Training undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, and staff how to perform the above-stated methodologies.
• Writing and submitting IACUC protocols.
• Managing/ordering research supplies and research supplies budget.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• B.S. in Neuroscience and/or Developmental Biology with at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Experience in:
• Working with and performing necropsies on laboratory animals, particularly mice and/or rats, is highly preferable.
• Experience with stereotaxic surgeries in rodents is highly preferable.
• Experience with cardiothoracic perfusions for tissue preservation.
• Biomedical laboratory research, including techniques such as tissue staining, RNA/DNA extraction and…