Research Assistant - Wang Lab

Texas A&M University; Bryan (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University in Bryan, Texas, is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Wang Lab in the Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics department. The role focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying substance use disorders, cognitive flexibility, and Alzheimer’s disease, with responsibilities across experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with lab personnel.

Position is grant-funded, with potential continuation based on funding.

Qualifications

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with mice or rats in behavioral neuroscience research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and coordinate experiments for various research projects.
• Record data and perform standard techniques of routine research.
• Assist in installation, operation, and maintenance of research equipment.
• Support tissue collection, brain processing, and data analysis.
• Assist with writing proposals, reports, and cataloging records.

Skills

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree in neuroscience/biomedical sciences or related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

MATLAB

Python

R

Job description

Job TitleResearch Assistant - Wang Lab Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics

Proposed Minimum Salary$3,750.00 monthly

Job LocationBryan, Texas

Job TypeStaff

Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Research Assistant in at TAMU Health, Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) provides skilled, administrative, and technical support in research. The position assists with multiple phases of research projects and plans and directs certain aspects of projects focused on understanding neural mechanisms underlying substance use disorders, cognitive flexibility, and Alzheimer’s disease. The Research Assistant collaborates with other research personnel.

What you need to know

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Responsibilities:

• Research Assists in the design, planning, and coordination of experiments in support of various research projects.
• Selects and applies standard techniques of routine research and keeps detailed record of data.
• Assists in the installation and operation of research equipment.
• May repair research equipment.
• Uses and computers and laboratories or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Evaluate and summarizes experiment results.

Lab- Specific Research Activity

• Conduct rodent behavioral experiments related to substance use disorders and Alzheimer’s disease, including operant self-administration, extinction, reinstatement, novel object recognition, Barnes maze, and related behavioral assays.
• Assist with stereotaxic procedures, viral-vector or tracer delivery, and in vivo neural recording or manipulation methods under approved protocols.
• Perform tissue collection, brain sectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and verification of experimental targeting.
• Organize, analyze, graph, and document behavioral, imaging, electrophysiological, or other neuroscience data; maintain accurate laboratory and animal-study records.

Research Publications

• Assists in preparing and writing proposals to funding agencies; maintains financial accounts related to research projects.
• Assists with reports, invoices, and cataloging records.

Mentorship

• Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research.
• Assists with reports, invoices, and cataloging records.

Qualifications:

• Required Education Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Experience working with mice or rats in behavioral neuroscience research.
• Experience with one or more of the following: operant behavior, stereotaxic surgery, viral-vector delivery, histology, microscopy, electrophysiology, or in vivo neural imaging.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and scientific software such as GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, Python, R, or equivalent tools.
• Strong organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills, with the ability to work cooperatively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• A record of co-authored peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or conference presentations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of computers and computer software related to the position.
• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment.
• Attention to detail.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 12-15 days of annual paid holidays Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees. External Applicants - Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may Search Postings and apply for positions within one or more A&M System members by selecting the job posting. Internal Applicants - This site lists job postings throughout The Texas A&M University System. It is intended for applicants not currently employed by a member of the system. Current employees should apply for jobs on the Internal Career site. The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.