UNIV - Research Specialist - Department of Neuroscience

The Zamudio Alcohol Research Lab in the Neuroscience department at MUSC is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated research specialist. This is an ideal role to gain experience in biomedical research and earn proficiency using a variety of techniques including ex-vivo electrophysiology, chemo genetics, calcium fiber-photometry, alcohol exposure protocols and whole-brain light-sheet microscopy. While experience working in rodent models of disease is preferred, it is not required.

Nonetheless, a strong disposition for learning new techniques is expected.

Our newly NIH/NIAAA funded project focuses on evaluating the role of the cerebellum in alcohol use disorder using a well-established mouse model of alcohol dependence. This research position constitutes an exciting opportunity to help elucidate how a brain region traditionally studied in the context of movement can modulate addiction-related behaviors, such as the escalation of alcohol consumption in the dependent brain.

For specific questions about the project please feel free to contact Paula Zamudio at zamudiob.

The ideal candidate must be a highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with a degree in a STEM-related discipline and basic knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience fundamentals. Nonetheless, training will be provided in all aspects of the job. This position start date would be as early as November 2026.

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Employee

Research Grant

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

University-GEN
06

37,944.

- 60,690.000

40

• A high school diploma and two years work experience in a research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience with basic cell and molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to learn more advanced wet lab techniques (chemo genetics, slice electrophysiology, calcium fiber photometry)
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team

• Experience with mouse handling, IP injections, tissue dissection and blood collection.

30% - Ethanol exposure treatments – Maintain records of Ethanol consumption for in-home cage and operant chamber paradigms. Run Ethanol inhalation chambers; this includes monitoring vapor ethanol levels, prepare and take mice in and out of chambers, collect blood samples and measure blood ethanol concentrations.

25% - Assist/perform stereotaxic intracranial injection surgeries and fiber photometry recordings. This includes surgery preparation and postop care, delivering viral vector agents, and/or installing probes to specific brain coordinates.

25% - Assist/perform electrophysiological recordings. This includes preparing solutions and obtaining live brain slices for electrophysiological recordings. Depending on performance, training to perform ex-vivo whole-cell patch clamp recordings will be done during the first year.

20% - General Lab Maintenance and Organization – maintain laboratory supplies and consumables, perform routine cleaning of laboratory and tissue culture space, clean glassware and autoclave glassware and plastics, ensure safety and compliance guidelines, introduce new lab members to the lab space and work. Assist the principal investigator in establishing an efficient lab, foster science and training.

Minimum Requirements:

A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in…