Research Assistant I

McLean Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Belmont
115 Mill Street (Show on map)
Jan 24, 2025
Summary Provides assistance to the Principal Investigator and Study Team in coordinating research activities that may include conducting a variety of routine experiments with established methodologies, data collection and management, and other research activities as assigned. Does this position require Patient Care? No Essential Functions Responsible for data collection, management, manipulation, analysis, and reporting. -Study cohort management. -Outreach communication with subjects, conducting mailings, follow-up on mailings, and obtaining necessary documents. -Provides assistance on work related to epidemiological studies and other population-based research. This research assistant position is at McLean Hospital in Belmont Massachusetts and will involve performing behavioral pharmacology and neuroscience studies in laboratory animals. Responsibilities include conducting daily experiments in behavioral pharmacology and neuroscience using: a) cognitive assays to characterize how psychoactive drugs and/or environmental stressors impact complex behavioral processes; b) neurochemical assays to determine how drugs and/or environmental stressors induce changes in brain neurotransmitters; and c) physiological assays to determine how drugs and/or environmental stressors alter biological activity. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to learn a variety of cognitive and behavioral assays in laboratory animals, drug preparation and administration protocols, in vivo microdialysis techniques, and stereotaxic surgery skills. They will be responsible for analyzing data using computer-based statistics/graphics programs and prepare reports of results. In addition, the successful applicant will assist with maintaining the laboratory, including monitoring safety protocols, and assisting with maintenance of animal care and husbandry. Education Bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, experimental psychology, or the biological sciences required. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No Licenses and Credentials Experience Previous experience working with laboratory animals is preferred but not required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Good interpersonal and communication skills. - Careful attention to detail. - Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks. - Computer literacy including database tool. - Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism. Physical Requirements* Standing Occasionally (3-33%) Walking Occasionally (3-33%) Sitting Constantly (67-100%) Lifting Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs Carrying Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs Pushing Rarely (Less than 2%) Pulling Rarely (Less than 2%) Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%) Balancing Occasionally (3-33%) Stooping Occasionally (3-33%) Kneeling Rarely (Less than 2%) Crouching Rarely (Less than 2%) Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%) Reaching Occasionally (3-33%) Gross Manipulation (Handling) Constantly (67-100%) Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%) Feeling Constantly (67-100%) Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%) Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%) Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%) Talking Constantly (67-100%) Hearing Constantly (67-100%) The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.