University of Wisconsin - Madison

Position Vacancy Listing

PVL # 227987

Position Summary:

A Research Specialist position is available in the Department of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) in the laboratory of Ned H. Kalin, MD. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Kalin, scientists, researchers, and others to coordinate and execute studies involving nonhuman primates at the Harlow Center for Biological Psychology and the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. A major aim of the Kalin laboratory is to understand the early life factors that contribute to the risk to develop stress-related psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on the preadolescent period. An understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the risk to develop these illnesses will pave the way for the development of neuroscientifically-informed new treatments. The laboratory's ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of new treatments for children such that these interventions will alter the life-long course of suffering associated with anxiety and depression.

The School of Medicine and Public Health has a deep and profound commitment to diversity both as an end in itself but also as a valuable means for eliminating health disparities. As such, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Principal duties:

35% - Conduct research experiments, collect, analyze, and interpret data, and document results according to established protocols. Perform a variety of behavioral and physiological testing paradigms. Implement and follow approved animal, biological, chemical and radiation safety protocols and standard operating procedures. Collect, prepare, and store samples for assays and tissue sectioning. Operate, clean, and maintain organization of research equipment and research areas. Track inventory levels and place replenishment orders. Conduct literature reviews. Maintain organization of detailed research records according to policies and procedures. Perform general laboratory maintenance.

15% - Perform and assist with brain imaging procedures including positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging; physiological sampling procedures including blood and cerebral spinal fluid collection; and surgical procedures including skin biopsy collections, sterile, stereotaxic, and real-time interoperative MRI guided techniques.

15% - Conduct behavioral scoring using the focal animal technique requiring attention to detail and fast and accurate typing skills. Assist in developing new coding schemes.

10% - Work with the Principal Investigator and research staff to coordinate and execute research studies involving nonhuman primates at the Harlow Center for Biological Psychology and the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Schedule logistics and secure resources for research supplies, equipment, and facilities. Participate in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials.

10% - Assist in the training and supervision of new personnel, including undergraduate students, on day-to-day activities, handling of nonhuman primates, and experimental procedures.

5% - Work with staff to ensure compliance with prevailing regulations and requirements for record-keeping. Assist in
writing and amending animal, biological, chemical and radiation safety protocols.

5% - Assist in data management, analysis, and summary for use in writing scientific publications, grants, reports, and presenting research results.

5% - Other Duties/Responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor.