Rodent Behavioral Pharmacology Research Associate

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego in San Diego, CA, seeks a skilled researcher to manage animal studies using rodent models in a dynamic behavioral lab. You will conduct behavioral pharmacology experiments, oversee colonies, and design study protocols.

Responsibilities include surgical procedures, drug administration, data analysis, and collaboration with collaborators; strong organizational and documentation skills are required. Experience with vapor inhalation methods and IV catheterization is preferred.

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge in Behavioral Pharmacology, Experimental Psychology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing laboratory work requiring two distinct disciplines or collaboration with supervisors on innovative procedures.
• Extensive experience in rodent behavioral testing, surgical implantations, drug administration, and tissue collection.
• Experience with rat handling, anesthesia, various routes of drug administration, and humane euthanasia.
• Ability to design and organize research projects and contribute to planning and direction of studies.
• Experience in training staff on laboratory animal care and handling.
• Strong computer skills, data entry, and ability to maintain databases.
• Ability to perform and interpret behavioral/pharmacological experiments with rodents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of animal research using rodent models in a behavioral lab.
• Conduct behavioral pharmacology experiments and data analysis; coordinate with collaborators.
• Oversee research colonies and maintain animal testing facilities and equipment.
• Prepare study protocols, track data, and contribute to project direction.
• Administer drugs to rodents, perform anesthesia and surgical procedures including catheterization.
• Collect tissues and postmortem samples; contribute to laboratory assays.
• Train and supervise other lab personnel; ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and assist with publications and data presentation.

Skills

Behavioral pharmacology

Rodent behavioral testing

Surgical procedures

Data analysis

Rodent handling

IV catheterization

Vapor inhalation

Anesthesia

Lab safety

MS Word/Excel

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

MedAssociates software

Job description

UC San Diego in San Diego, CA, seeks a skilled researcher to manage animal studies using rodent models in a dynamic behavioral lab. You will conduct behavioral pharmacology experiments, oversee colonies, and design study protocols.

Responsibilities include surgical procedures, drug administration, data analysis, and collaboration with collaborators; strong organizational and documentation skills are required. Experience with vapor inhalation methods and IV catheterization is preferred.