Neuropharmacology Research Assistant — Rodent Behavior

RTI International; Few (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

RTI International’s Discovery Sciences group in Research Triangle Park, NC, conducts neuropsychopharmacology research to understand neural mechanisms of reward, stress, and pain in rodent models. This role supports behavioral testing, dosing studies, and data collection within a collaborative team.

The Research Assistant will perform behavioral experiments, rodent surgeries, and neural monitoring, contributing to nonclinical and preclinical studies while adhering to regulatory and safety

Qualifications

• Ongoing or completed bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, biology, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols, standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral and dosing experiments in laboratory rodents.
• Perform rodent surgeries, including intracranial procedures, and provide pre- and post-operative care.
• Manipulate and monitor neural activity in rodents during behavioral tasks.
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate behavioral observations and study data.
• Review study data and associated records for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor laboratory rodents and assess animal health and well-being.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, records, and inventory.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.
• Follow established protocols, SOPs, health and safety guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with laboratory inspections and preparation of inspection materials.
• Support the training of new or less experienced laboratory staff.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, and external collaborators.
• Occasionally work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays based on study needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Time management

Data analysis

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience/pharmacology/psychology/biology

Tools

MATLAB

Python

R

Excel

Job description

RTI International’s Discovery Sciences group in Research Triangle Park, NC, conducts neuropsychopharmacology research to understand neural mechanisms of reward, stress, and pain in rodent models. This role supports behavioral testing, dosing studies, and data collection within a collaborative team.

The Research Assistant will perform behavioral experiments, rodent surgeries, and neural monitoring, contributing to nonclinical and preclinical studies while adhering to regulatory and safety