Staff Research Associate I - 134730

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the preparation, execution, and analysis of behavioral and pharmacological biology experiments using rodent models of drug self-administration and neurobehavioral toxicity within the Department of Psychiatry. The incumbent will be actively involved in NIH-funded projects that explore drug dependence in animal models. Primary responsibilities will include characterizing the effects of drug exposure, and conducting behavioral assessments of addiction-like behavior in rodent models. The incumbent will also be expected to maintain and care for rat colonies according to established protocols, assist with complex animal surgeries and conduct operant testing. The incumbent will be required to perform basic data analysis of experimental results and maintain meticulous paper and digital records. Other responsibilities will also include general maintenance of the lab, which includes maintaining clean testing areas, keeping lab equipment functional, preparing stock solutions, and selecting reagents and supplies for ordering. Incumbent will be expected to keep meticulous paper and digital records. Assist with other project and miscellaneous tasks as needed. Incumbent must be able to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

• Theoretical knowledge in Experimental Psychology, Animal Behavior, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or related field or equivalent knowledge and experience to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Proven ability to operate, clean, set up, and maintain surgical equipment preparing rats to IVSA procedure.

• Knowledge and ability to perform intravenous surgeries for catheter implantation.

• Excellent communication skills, including the skill to understand and carry out written and oral instructions and interact with clients and colleagues with diverse personalities and educational levels, ability to successfully organize work process.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a team, with the ability to receive and follow instruction from multiple work directors.

• Knowledge and ability to collect, input, summarize, and analyze data from specialized data acquisition software on laboratory computers (software includes but is not limited to: Med Associates, Coulbourn, Knosys, DSI, San Diego Instruments, and Noldus Ethovision).

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to maintain rat colonies.

• Knowledge and experience with rat work according to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols. Ability to use appropriate personal protection equipment while working in animal facility.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions, including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, and use of protective gear such as gloves and googles. Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Skill and ability to maintain a variety of written and/or computer records for research activities including Standard Operating Procedures, quality control records, supply inventories, safety records, etc.

• Proficiency in data analysis and record-keeping.

• Knowledge of university hazardous and biohazardous waste disposal regulations and associated safety techniques and requirements, and the willing and ability to maintain training and certificates as required.

• Experience with animal models of intravenous drug self-administration and relapse.

• Prior experience working with rodent models, preferably in the context of behavioral research.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to euthanize rats.

• Must be willing to work overtime, nights, and weekends if necessary.