Assistant Academic Research Scientist - Emory Primate Center

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 Luessen Lab, within the Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders at the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University, is seeking a full-time Assistant Academic Research Scientist to join our growing team. Our research focuses on how early-life experiences—particularly drug exposure during sensitive developmental periods—shape prefrontal cortical circuits and long-term cognitive function.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both the day-to-day execution and broader direction of ongoing projects. The Assistant Research Scientist will independently lead behavioral testing in mice, including touchscreen- and operant-based cognitive assays assessing working memory, cognitive flexibility, and decision-making. The individual will also coordinate animal cohorts across longitudinal studies and contribute to in vivo experimental workflows including intracranial surgeries, viral manipulations, histological processing, and molecular analyses.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, intellectually engaged, and excited to take ownership over projects in a collaborative research environment. We are looking for someone who approaches science with curiosity and rigor, enjoys troubleshooting and critical thinking, and is motivated to contribute to the overall momentum and culture of the lab.

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 excited by behavioral neuroscience, cognitive testing, and circuit-based approaches to understanding brain function, this is an opportunity to contribute to impactful translational research while developing advanced experimental skills in a highly collaborative environment.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, the Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal 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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for working with experimental platforms specific to the hiring Program. Duties will include but are not limited to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation and communication of results of basic and/or translational research.
• Will be required to review literature and apply advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development.
• May assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate.
• With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist may serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals.
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD OR master's degree and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR bachelor's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
• Laboratory experience should be related to area of assignment.
• Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience with rodent behavioral neuroscience, especially cognitive or operant-based assays.
• Experience handling and managing rodent colonies and longitudinal experimental cohorts.
• Familiarity with stereotaxic surgery, viral approaches, histology, or systems/circuit neuroscience techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Prism, MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in neuropsychiatric disease mechanisms, cognition, and developmental neuroscience.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Hands-on work with live animals and biological tissues.
• Standard laboratory environment requiring adherence to institutional safety procedures.
• Position involves standing, bending, lifting, and extended periods of active experimental work.
• Schedule and occasional weekend responsibilities will be discussed during the interview process.

Pre-Employment 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 [email protected] 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.