Staff Scientist

This position is in the laboratory of Mei-Chuan Ko, PhD, which is part of the Translational Neuroscience Program in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. The lab uses nonhuman primates to research substance use disorders, sensory processing (pain and itch), and the efficacy/therapeutic window of pharmacological treatment.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to manage ongoing non-human primate (NHP) studies and support the planning and initiation of new projects.
• Oversee the preparation and administration of experimental compounds in NHPs.
• Provide training and guidance to new staff on NHP handling as well as proper use of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Assist with specimen collection and related study procedures.
• Perform data analysis for RNAscope, telemetry, and EEG experiments.
• Collaborate with the PI on manuscript preparation, publication efforts, and grant applications.
• Prepare, interpret, and present research findings to internal teams and external audiences.
  
  

Qualifications

• PHD in Psychology, Neuroscience, Counseling, Sociology, or related research field with a minimum of three years of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology required.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
  
  

Licensure, Certifications, And Clearances

• Act 34
  
  

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran