Social Science​/Humanities Research Associate II

Job Posting

Title:

Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II-Hiring Department:

Department of Psychology-Position Open To:

All Applicants-Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40-FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt from FLSA-Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately-Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2027
- Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS-Job Details:

General Notes The Orsini Lab is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented full-time Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II to support a newly funded R01 project investigating the neural circuit mechanisms of risky decision making and substance use. The associate will play an integral role in daily lab operations and ongoing behavioral neuroscience research using preclinical rodent models. This position offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in systems and behavioral neuroscience.
1 year fixed-term with possibility of extension.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission.

Purpose The Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II will work closely with Dr. Caitlin Orsini, Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neurology, and lab manager Megan Kelly.

Responsibilities Conduct rodent behavioral experiments (rats), with emphasis on operant-based tasks and drug self-administration tasks.

Perform systemic and intracranial injections.

Perform stereotaxic surgeries and provide post-operative care.

Contribute to histological and cellular assays in the wet lab (e.g., immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization).Maintain accurate animal records, chemical and reagent inventories, and standard operating procedures.

Uphold lab cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.

Support data collection, entry, and management across ongoing projects.

Required Qualifications Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related biological science required; candidates without a master’s degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

Hands-on experience working in a behavioral neuroscience laboratory (paid or unpaid).Direct experience working with rats. This is an absolute requirement. Applicants will not be considered if there is no prior experience working with rats.

Experience performing systemic or subcutaneous injections in rodents .Strong organizational and data management skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Reliable and flexible regarding working hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed) .

Preferred Qualifications Prior experience as a lab manager or research technician.

Experience with stereotaxic surgery and/or intracranial injections in rodents.

Familiarity with histological techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, Nissl staining) and fluorescence microscopy.

Exposure to viral vector approaches (optogenetics, chemo genetics, fiber photometry).

Experience with basic statistical analysis and/or data visualization.

Salary Range $42,000 - $50,256

Working Conditions Personal protective equipment provided.

Work environments include standard office, animal vivarium, and wet lab settings.

May work around biohazards and chemicals under appropriate safety protocols.

Physical requirements include keyboard use, manual dexterity, stair climbing, and lifting/moving materials.

Work Shift Reliable and flexible regarding working hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed) .Required Materials Please submit the following as a single PDF:

Resume or curriculum vitae

Cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position

Contact information for three professional references (at least one must be a direct supervisor)
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:
You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.

Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:
As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application.

The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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