Associate Researcher I (Dr Silva Hufnagel's Lab)

About the Role

The Associate Researcher I is a laboratory research position responsible for the independent conduct of routine and standardized experiments. This individual assists in the interpretation of research outcomes, performs assays to support research studies, and assists in the clerical and supply aspects of the laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct alcohol-related behavioral experiments using mouse models, including operant self-administration and other drinking paradigms.
• Maintain and manage mouse colonies.
• Perform stereotaxic surgeries and related experimental procedures.
• Monitor animals throughout behavioral studies.
• Collect brain tissue for downstream molecular and cellular analyses.
• Generate, collect, and interpret experimental data.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and datasets.
• Perform basic data analysis and prepare figures and results for presentations and publications.
• Review relevant scientific literature.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator on experimental design, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.
• Participate in regular laboratory meetings.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers within and outside the laboratory.
• Performs other related duties.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelors or Master's degree in science or related field.
• Hands-on experience working with laboratory mice, including animal handling, colony management, and behavioral testing, is highly preferred.
• Experience with rodent behavioral paradigms; experience with alcohol or drug self-administration is particularly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate experimental records and manage multiple experiments simultaneously.

Qualifications

• No experience required. One year of research experience preferred.