Rodent Behavioral Neuroscience Research Associate II

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,256; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a full-time Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II in the Department of Psychology on UT Main Campus. The role supports a US-funded project investigating neural circuits of risky decision making and substance use using preclinical rodent models, working with Dr.

Caitlin Orsini and lab manager Megan Kelly. Responsibilities include conducting rodent behavioral experiments, injections, surgeries, histology, data management, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field
• Hands-on experience in a behavioral neuroscience lab
• Direct experience working with rats is required
• Experience performing systemic or subcutaneous injections in rodents
• Strong organizational and data management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Flexibility for early mornings, evenings, or weekends

Responsibilities

• Conduct rodent behavioral experiments focusing on operant-based tasks and drug self-administration tasks.
• Perform systemic and intracranial injections.
• Perform stereotaxic surgeries and provide post-operative care.
• Contribute to histological and cellular assays (e.g., immunohistochemistry, FISH).
• Maintain accurate animal records, chemical inventories, and SOPs.
• Uphold lab cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
• Support data collection, entry, and management across projects.

Skills

Behavioral neuroscience lab experience

Experience with rats

Data management

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related

Tools

Stereotaxic surgery

Immunohistochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

RNAscope

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a full-time Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II in the Department of Psychology on UT Main Campus. The role supports a US-funded project investigating neural circuits of risky decision making and substance use using preclinical rodent models, working with Dr.

Caitlin Orsini and lab manager Megan Kelly. Responsibilities include conducting rodent behavioral experiments, injections, surgeries, histology, data management, and