Research Technician

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 07 Jun 2022

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Psychology and Neuroscience-319100
Career Area Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment? No
Posting Open Date 06/01/2022
Application Deadline 06/07/2022
Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Technician - Journey
Salary Grade Equivalent GN06
Working Title Research Technician
Position Number 00061791
Vacancy ID P015265
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Normal business hours M-F (9-5) with some overtime as needed.
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $35,809 - $38,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet .

Position Summary Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The primary purpose of the Psychology and Neuroscience Department is to provide excellent education, research and service in the field. This goal breaks down into four important components: 1) to teach psychology and neuroscience to undergraduates in a manner that will introduce them vigorously to its broad scope; 2) to offer scientific and professional training to graduate students in the areas of behavioral and integrative neuroscience, clinical, cognitive, developmental, quantitative, and social psychology; 3) to carry out cutting-edge research in these areas, and 4) to provide consulting and administrative support services to the science and profession of psychology as well as to the university, the community, the state, and the nation.
The Department consists of six programs: behavioral and integrative neuroscience; clinical psychology; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; quantitative psychology, and social psychology. Each program is designed to acquaint the student thoroughly with the theoretical and research content of the specialty and to provide training in the research skills needed to become a competent and creative investigator. In addition, the programs focus on the development of appropriate professional skills.
The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience ranks 2nd in the College in grant funding with over $12 million annually in grant expenditures and approximately $20 million annually in expenditures from all funds. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has the largest undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences with approximately 1500 majors, and one of the largest graduate Ph.D. programs with approximately 120 graduate students. The Department is also home to four community clinics which generate fee revenue (Adult Clinic, Anxiety Clinic, Child and Family Clinic, Couples Clinic), known collectively as the UNC Psychology and Neuroscience Community Clinic (the Clinic).
Position Summary
The Research Technician will assist with NIH funded studies examining the neurobiological basis of motivated behaviors and substance use disorders using preclinical rodent models. This position will work with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Regina Carelli), postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students and will use electrophysiological recording techniques to measure cell firing (single unit and local field potential) in the brain of awake, behaving rats. Other experiments will involve the use of optogenetic techniques, calcium imaging methods, and the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in awake, behaving rodents.
The individual will use these methods in awake, unrestrained rats during operant and pavlovian conditioning tasks involving both natural (food/water/sucrose) reward and abused substances such as cocaine (e.g. using the drug self-administration procedure). Some of the optogenetics methods will involve the use of transgenic rats which are bred and maintained by the Carelli lab. Research involves behavioral manipulations in rats, small animal surgical procedures (e.g., stereotaxic surgery, implantation of a catheter into the jugular vein), histology procedures (including slicing brain tissue on a cryostat, mounting tissue and using advanced microscopic methods), electrophysiological (multi-neuron ensembles), transcranial alternating current (tACS) headgear for surgery and optogenetic methods. This position will also involve some computer programming for running experiments and that will aid in analyzing data. Responsibilities will also include serving as the Laboratory Coordinator for the lab, maintaining the rat transgenic colony (breeding, genotyping) keeping inventory of laboratory supplies and assist in processing supply purchases.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The candidate must be accurate; attention to detail is required and the ability to accurately complete experiments (e.g., self-administration and maintain catheter patency), experience in rat brain histology protocols, and experience using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) methodology in rats. The candidate must also have the ability to work independently on projects with supervision when requested/required, ability to manage their own time effectively and also respect the time of others, and general courtesy/ability to be kind and pleasant in communication with other lab members.
The candidate must also have experience with purchasing supplies using UNC approved systems, and maintaining budgets. Prior experience is also required in maintaining transgenic rat colonies, ensuring the laboratory is in compliance with IACUC/DLAM and EHS regulations, and must have some prior research experience in a laboratory. The candidate must also be IACUC certified in ear notch (punch), tail clip/genotyping in rats.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
B.S. degree in psychology or neuroscience, with a degree/minor/some coursework in chemistry.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Laboratory, Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally
Special Instructions
Please note that a resume, cover letter, and list of references are required when applying to this position.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/231829

Contact Information


Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected] 
 
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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