Research Scientist - Department of Psychiatry

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Scientist - Department of Psychiatry at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research.  May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation.  Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

With the assistance of the Principal Investigator, find and write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grant funding. Responsibilities may also include coordinating correspondence with applicants and grantees, acknowledging receipts of proposals, and maintaining a system to track proposals.  

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research.  Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.  Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.  Assist staff with experiments/ research protocols as required.  Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Prepare and present presentations regarding research project results for professional, scientific and academic conferences.  Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals.  Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required.  Order and organize required research supplies and records.  Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station. 

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Use immunoblotting to determine the levels of selected proteins in tissue from humans and small animals. Isolate DNA from fecal samples (human and small animal), quantify DNA, carry out PCR analysis of DNA and prepare library for sequencing. Use automated, robotic instrumentation to prepare samples for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Perform qPCR for quantification of bacterial load in fecal samples from treated mice. Inject small animals with agents designed to modify the gut microbiome (e.g., antibiotics) and use sterile techniques to carry out experiments using germ-free mice. Use universal precautions in working with human fecal samples and carry out fecal microbiota transplantation into mouse recipients. Test small animals in behavioral tests for assessing CNS disorders to include anxiety, depression, cognition and general activity/arousal. Upload DNA sequencing data onto the WSU high performance computing grid and analyze large DNA sequence data sets for status of the gut microbiome using mothur, R and PAST. Carry out microbiota diversity analysis and use LEfSe and PICRUSt2 to assess bacterial biomarkers and metabolomics, respectfully.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   Doctorate degree

Requires advanced knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired

by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.  

Experience:   Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred.  Must have distinguished themselves in research.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently. Ability to secure grants and funding for research.  Ability to analyze, summarize 

and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills.  Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to

work with others in a collaborative environment.  Microsoft office software skills.

PhD in neuroscience or related field. Ability to work independently and on collaborative research projects. Experience with lab skills.

H06 - School of Medicine

H0613 - Psychiatry

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
  
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.