Research Associate

Compensation: $55,000.00 annually based on skills and experience.

Position Summary

The Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders is seeking a PhD-level Research Associate to work on a newly NIH-funded research grant in the laboratory of Dr. Joanna Dabrowska, investigating the role of oxytocin in the supramammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus in social recognition memory.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b)-retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The research associate will conduct independent and collaborative research using in vitro electrophysiological techniques and neuroanatomy to study neural circuitry of supramammillary hypothalamus. Essential duties include designing and executing experiments, performing data acquisition and quantitative analysis, maintaining accurate records, and interpreting results for presentation and publication. The fellow is expected to contribute intellectually to project development, prepare manuscripts and grant-related materials, mentor students or trainees as appropriate, and participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions, while adhering to all institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

Required Education & Experience

• PhD in neuroscience or related discipline 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in electrophysiological techniques, including in vitro slice electrophysiology

• Strong knowledge of neuroanatomy, circuit organization, and stereotaxic techniques

• Proficiency in microscopy techniques, including fluorescence microscopy; experience with image acquisition and analysis

• Experience with data acquisition systems, signal processing, and quantitative analysis of electrophysiological data

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate experimental records

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team environment

• Effective written and oral communication skills for presenting scientific data and preparing manuscripts

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced graduate training in systems or cellular neuroscience

• Experience integrating electrophysiology with behavioral assays

• Manuscript writing experience

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets