Social Science/Humanities 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

Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II

Full‑time position in the Department of Psychology, 40 hours per week, located on UT Main Campus.

Purpose

The Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II will work closely with Dr. Caitlin Orsini, Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neurology, and lab manager Megan Kelly to support a newly funded R01 project investigating neural circuit mechanisms of risky decision making and substance use through preclinical rodent models. The role involves daily lab operations and behavioral neuroscience research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rodent behavioral experiments (rats), 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 in the wet lab (e.g., immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization).
• Maintain accurate animal records, chemical and reagent inventories, and standard operating procedures.
• Uphold lab cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
• Support data collection, entry, and management across ongoing projects.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related biological science required; candidates without a master’s degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree.
• Hands‑on experience working in a behavioral neuroscience laboratory (paid or unpaid).
• Direct experience working with rats. This is an absolute requirement.
• 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.
• Reliable and flexible regarding working hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a lab manager or research technician.
• Experience with stereotaxic surgery and/or intracranial injections in rodents.
• Familiarity with histological techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, Nissl staining) and fluorescence microscopy.
• Exposure to viral vector approaches (optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry).
• Experience with basic statistical analysis and/or data visualization.

Salary Range

$42,000 - $50,256

Working Conditions

• Personal protective equipment provided.
• Work environments include standard office, animal vivarium, and wet lab settings.
• May work around biohazards and chemicals under appropriate safety protocols.
• Physical requirements include keyboard use, manual dexterity, stair climbing, and lifting/moving materials.

Work Shift

Reliable and flexible regarding working hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed).

Required Materials

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position
• Contact information for three professional references (at least one must be a direct supervisor)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.