Research Assistant

The goal of the Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research is to eliminate cancer and allied diseases by developing and maintaining specialized programs in animal models, research and education. Our standard will be defined by quality of care and research service as well as compassion and respect for the needs of research animals. Research at the Keeling Center has led to the development of synthetic peptide-based candidate vaccines for the prevention and treatment of AIDS caused by HIV, and for the treatment of cervical precancerous lesions caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses.

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various behavior, cognition, and neuroscience research projects utilizing the primate colonies within the Department of Comparative Medicine. The Research Assistant I may be subject to working in biocontainment areas requiring compliance with specific protocols. The Research Assistant I requires excellent organizational and communication skills, while working independently and with other team members.

The Research Assistant I should have a desire and willingness to learn new skills and techniques in this position.

The ideal Research Assistant I will have a bachelor's degree in one of the basic sciences and one year of experience conducting basic or applied research involving animal models. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team are also required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, observational/statistical software, and programming in Python and/or R are highly desirable.

Typical work schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., onsite.

Hourly salary range: Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB), plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

• Individual will help coordinate, collect and conduct cognition research. The data will come from animal behavioral observations, automated cognitive testing systems, treatment sheets, neurobiological measures, and other records.
• Will assist with behavioral management protocols and support other studies.
• Will be able to identify animals and target behaviors.

• Duties will include computerized recording of data, verifying data entry, and helping to organize and process reports.
• Organize files and data manually and on the computer.
• Prepare preliminary drafts of specific sections of manuscripts, primarily methods sections.
• Disseminate data from conducted studies.
• Co-author and/or present papers and posters at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.

• Work to achieve sectional goals.
• Work with other members of the Section of Primate Behavior and Environmental Enrichment to improve the research, behavioral management, and animal healthcare programs.
• Work with students, visitors, interns, and residents.
• Assist with workshops and making hallway displays.
• Attend sectional meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in one of the basic sciences.

Preferred Experience: One year of experience conducting basic or applied research involving animal models. Experience with primate behavior and experience with study management. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, observational/statistical software, and programming in Python and/or R are highly desirable.

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