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 excellence of our academic community.

The Gourley lab in the Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders within the Emory National Primate Center at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, is currently seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join our lab. Our research consists of behavioral testing in mice, aimed at understanding how organisms make choices, to seek or not seek reward. The applicant will test the mice daily and take responsibility for the health and care of the organism during the experiment. Prior to testing, intracranial surgery will be involved to manipulate proteins of interest, and following behavioral testing, post-mortem analyses of brain tissues will be required to confirm that manipulations acted as expected.

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, non-human primates, and non-primate model organisms. The ideal candidate should also be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, and passion for research. 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 have good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PIs, research staff, students, and other support services.

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, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Existing knowledge and expertise in behavioral testing in mice.
• Ability to independently maintain Excel datasets and present their findings to the lab lead in weekly one-on-one meetings.
• Existing expertise in multiple statistical approaches.
• Proficient in using statistical software like SPSS.
• Familiarity with intracranial surgery and viral-mediated gene silencing will be viewed highly favorably.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Involves working with live mice and biohazardous blood and tissues.
• involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.
• Work schedule to be discussed during interview.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects. 

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 is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with 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 (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.