Research Assistant; Contractor; Neuropsychopharmacology

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

Discovery Sciences at RTI International conducts innovative research to better understand biological mechanisms underlying health and disease. Our research teams in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, conduct nonclinical and preclinical studies across a range of areas, including neuropsychopharmacology.

This position will support a neuropsychopharmacology laboratory focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying reward, stress, and pain. The Research Assistant will contribute to laboratory studies involving behavioral testing, pharmacological interventions, neural activity monitoring, and data collection in rodents.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, or a related field who is interested in gaining hands‑on experience in preclinical research and laboratory operations.

As a Research Assistant, you will support nonclinical and preclinical neuropsychopharmacology studies investigating the neural mechanisms underlying reward, stress, and pain. You will work closely with the research team to conduct behavioral and dosing studies in rodents, collect and manage study data, and support laboratory operations. This role provides hands‑on experience with behavioral research, rodent procedures, neural activity monitoring, and data collection in a collaborative research environment.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct behavioral and dosing experiments in laboratory rodents.
• Perform rodent surgeries, including intracranial procedures, and provide pre‑ and post‑operative care.
• Manipulate and monitor neural activity in rodents during behavioral tasks.
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate behavioral observations and study data.
• Review study data and associated records for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor laboratory rodents and assess animal health and well‑being.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, records, and inventory.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.
• Follow established protocols, standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements, including NIH, GLP, and DEA regulations, as applicable.
• Assist with laboratory inspections and preparation of inspection materials.
• Support the training of new or less experienced laboratory staff.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, and external collaborators.
• Occasionally work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays based on study

• Ongoing or completed bachelor's degree in neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols, standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability…