Research Specialist

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience at the Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) of Emory University is currently seeking a full time Research Specialist to join our lab. Our research consists of understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie increased risk to develop Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and substance use disorders in individuals that experience early life stress. This position will report directly to Dr.

Mar Sanchez. We use nonhuman primate models to understand stress-induced risk for psychostimulant abuse.

The studies are funded by a NIH/NIDA R01 grant, “Early experience and neurobiological risks of adult cocaine use disorder”. The new Research Specialist will assist lab personnel in work with nonhuman primates (rhesus monkeys) to study risks for psychiatric disorders in humans, including substance use disorder. After appropriate training the new hire will perform work in laboratory procedures that involve animal training and behavioral testing, collection of blood samples for hormonal measures, washing/sterilizing experimental equipment, sample processing, data entry, keeping animal records.

The ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude and strong passion for behavioral research, in addition to ability to closely/reliably follow standard operating procedures. 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 lab manager (Erin Siebert), PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at Yerkes to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory research experience who is familiar with Behavioral Neuroscience or Endocrinology with nonhuman primate animal models, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, ENBRC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu

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

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience working with nonhuman primates, or other big animals.
• Behavioral testing, animal training, blood draws with animals.
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology, preparation of solutions, calculations of concentrations y dilutions.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data entry/management.

• The work schedule will be discussed more at the interview.
• Work environment involves behavioral work with nonhuman primates, as well as collection and handling of biohazardous blood and other bodily fluids.
• Work environment involves some…