Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

The Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full time Research Specialist to join our research team at the Field Station (Lawrenceville, Georgia). This project studies biological and neural mechanisms that mediate stress-induced accelerated neurocognitive aging during adulthood. Although this position will report directly to Trina Jonesteller, the PI supervisor will be Dr. Mar Sanchez, and the other MPIs in this NIA grant: Drs. Maria Alvarado and Jessica R. Lawrence.

The ideal candidate is motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, and has a positive attitude and strong passion for behavioral and cognitive research, in addition to the ability to closely/reliably follow standard operating procedures.  The Research Specialist will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab members and center members. The Research Specialist will work to ensure the highest quality of laboratory research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the lab management team (Trina Jonesteller, Kelly Bailey), Principal Investigators (PIs: Drs. Mar Sanchez, Maria Alvarado, Jessica R. Lawrence), research staff, students, and other support services.

Dedicated to discovering causes, prevention, treatments, and cures, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is fighting diseases and improving human health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory research experience who is familiar with Behavioral Neuroscience or Endocrinology with nonhuman primate animal models, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
• Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
• May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation.
• Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
• Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
• Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiar with primate behavior.
• Previous experience working with nonhuman primates (particularly at the EPC Field Station), or other big animals.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data entry/management.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• General work schedule will be communicated.
• Work environment involves behavioral and cognitive studies with nonhuman primates, as well as collection and handling of biohazardous blood and other biological fluids.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work is often performed outside, in the elements.
• Work is also performed in behavioral/cognitive testing rooms and in a typical wet laboratory environment.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat, as well as lifting some weight, climbing and running.
• Requires the ability to train and work with animals.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

Emory NPRC in conjunction with Emory University conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which may include an INA and criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, drug screening, health assessment, requirement of various vaccinations (including COVID-19 plus one booster if job requires hands-on contact with animals/NHP). Employment is contingent upon a clear background screening.

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.