What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist - Emory Primate Center position at Emory University?
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Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
Description
The Luessen Lab, within the Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders at the Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join our team. Our research focuses on how early-life experiences—particularly drug exposure during sensitive developmental periods—shape prefrontal cortex circuits and long-term cognitive function.
This position offers the opportunity to be deeply involved in both the day-to-day execution and broader direction of ongoing projects. The Research Specialist will lead behavioral testing in mice (including cognitive assays such as working memory and decision-making), manage animal cohorts across experiments, and contribute to surgical and post-mortem workflows. This includes intracranial surgeries to manipulate circuit components and molecular targets, followed by histological and molecular analyses to verify experimental outcomes.
We are a collaborative and growing lab that values rigor, curiosity, and ownership over projects. We’re looking for someone who is not only reliable and detail-oriented, but also excited to engage with the science—someone who takes initiative, thinks critically about data, and contributes to the overall momentum of the lab.
Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory research experience who is familiar with rodent cognitive behavioral testing, data analysis, and (ideally) surgical or circuit-based neuroscience techniques this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.
Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Additional Details
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
Description
The Luessen Lab, within the Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders at the Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join our team. Our research focuses on how early-life experiences—particularly drug exposure during sensitive developmental periods—shape prefrontal cortex circuits and long-term cognitive function.
This position offers the opportunity to be deeply involved in both the day-to-day execution and broader direction of ongoing projects. The Research Specialist will lead behavioral testing in mice (including cognitive assays such as working memory and decision-making), manage animal cohorts across experiments, and contribute to surgical and post-mortem workflows. This includes intracranial surgeries to manipulate circuit components and molecular targets, followed by histological and molecular analyses to verify experimental outcomes.
We are a collaborative and growing lab that values rigor, curiosity, and ownership over projects. We’re looking for someone who is not only reliable and detail-oriented, but also excited to engage with the science—someone who takes initiative, thinks critically about data, and contributes to the overall momentum of the lab.
Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory research experience who is familiar with rodent cognitive behavioral testing, data analysis, and (ideally) surgical or circuit-based neuroscience techniques this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.
Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
- Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
- May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation.
- Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
- Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
- Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
- Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
- Prior experience with rodent behavioral testing, especially cognitive assays.
- Strong data management and basic statistical analysis skills.
- Experience with software such as Excel, SPSS, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with intracranial surgery, viral approaches, or circuit-level neuroscience techniques.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Hands-on work with live animals and biological tissues
- Standard laboratory setting with adherence to safety procedures.
- Requires physical activity (e.g., standing, bending, lifting).
- Work schedule to be discussed during the interview process.
The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Additional Details
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.