Staff Research Associate II - Drug Discovery - Urgent Position

Job Summary

This position exists to support our animal-based drug discovery studies by coordinating with their supervisor and collaborating with researchers and animal-care staff. The person in this position will execute and document animal experiments in ABSL1-ABSL2* conditions for drug discovery studies by coordinating with his/her supervisor and with research and animal care staff. In coordination with his/her supervisor, this person will be responsible for ensuring that animals in drug discovery studies are provided with the correct formulation of medicated diet. This person will be responsible for identifying potential problems with drug discovery studies, forming a draft plan for addressing these and promptly communicating these to her/his supervisor. In coordination with his/her supervisor, this person will be responsible for regularly updating key stakeholders in the drug discovery group on ongoing projects. Additionally, in coordination with his/her supervisor, this person will be expected to draft and/or optimize Standard Operating Procedures for all assigned duties. 

This position also contributes to a range of animal experiments conducted at the IND Animal Facility, which includes procedures such as bioluminescence imaging, brain inoculation, wound closures, perfusions, sample collections, necropsies, injections, anesthesia, gavage, stereotaxic surgeries, and neurodegenerative diagnosis. This position is responsible for maintaining proficiency of all previously utilized procedures, as well as continued education and training in new procedures and techniques. The position is required to conduct all animal procedures without causing any undue stress to animals, while maintain accurate records, that document any animal distress, anesthesia administration, unexpected outcomes, and deviations from SOPs. Good records must be maintained in the electronic database, as well as in hard copy.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or equivalent experience/training.
• California Drivers License
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong sense of responsibility and transparency with all aspects of job
• Attention to detail
• Basic laboratory skills
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to read and follow detailed scientific literature and directions, including literature on experimental methods and detailed Standard Operating Procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• AAALAS certification
• 1+ years work in an Animal Care and Use Program
• 1+ years working in a ABSL1 or ABSL2 environment
• 1+ years work experience handling rodents
• Experience in basic rodent biomethodology techniques (anesthesia, injections, bleeding, etc.).
• Experience reporting abnormal signs in rodents (experience in nervous system abnormalities highly preferred)
• Working knowledge of mouse genetics and nomenclature
• Experience in administering drugs to rodents