Research Associate I

Position Description:

Purpose
Under minimal supervision, use fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of Neuroscience to perform complex scientific research.

Laboratory Information
The long-term goal of the laboratory is to identify the neurological mechanisms underlying stress-induced vulnerability in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs), and in doing so, rationally design pharmacotherapeutic treatments.
Current ongoing projects aimed to 1) understand the neurocircuitry and cell-type specificity involved in stress and addiction, 2) study the role of the pentapartite synapse in stress and addiction, and 3) study novel therapeutic treatments for PSTD and SUD using an oligonucleotide technology to target key gene of interest.

Primary Functions

• Design and perform lab procedures and experiments with minimal supervision.
• Manage and operate lab equipment.
• Train new employees in lab procedures.
• Participate in meetings with principle investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, evaluate lab procedures.
• Retrieve information from library and computerized databases; assist in preparation of manuscripts and presentations.
• Introduce new techniques in lab.
• Maintain supplies, may negotiate with vendors, track purchase orders.
• Maintain equipment, perform/supervise repairs and update computer hardware and software.

Preferred Schedule:
Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs

Position Requirements:

Specifications
Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis

• Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree
• Minimum Required Experience: No experience required
• Preferred Experience: 2 years of experience in academic research with a focus in neuroscience
• Field: Neuroscience, drug addiction, biochemistry.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and records management.
• Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.
• Preferred experience in physically handling both rats and mice during experimental procedures.
• Preferred experience with immune-histochemical procedures and confocal microscopy.
• Preferred experience with computer hardware, general hardware skills (I.E maintaining computer updates, general network configuration, system troubleshooting).
• Preferred experience with behavioral neuroscience specific software such as: EthoVision, BitPlane Imaris, and Inscopix systems.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Reimbursement
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes.
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc. 

For a brief overview of our benefits see: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/human-resources/benefits

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MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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