Sr. Research Scientist, Laboratory of Dr. Samuel Pfaff

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sr. Research Scientist position is available to participate in studies of sensorimotor spinal circuits. The Senior Research Scientist position provides high-level specific technical skills to the laboratory by conducting advanced research in support of projects approved by the laboratory head. Additional duties for this level include, but are not limited to, providing supervision and training of laboratory personnel, participating in the preparation of manuscripts, contributing to the preparation of grant proposals, and designing studies to investigate specific life science questions within the field of expertise.

The Sr. Research Scientist position is expected to publish activities, findings, and conclusions in recognized scientific publications and present the same at appropriate scientific conferences and forums. May also be expected to document research leading to patent disclosure or technical and/or scientific advancement. Individuals in this title may be able to apply for certain outside funding opportunities which are not intended to support "independent investigators," but would enable some level of self-supported research.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(75%) Research and Experimental Design

• Make innovative contributions pertaining to laboratory experiments according to the goals of the research project as defined by the lab head and supervisors.
• Design and execute experimental procedures, including new technologies, according to the research goals of the project
• Collect, organize, and analyze data. Perform statistical analysis. Prepare figures and illustrations of data for presentation and publication.
• Knowledge and/or hands-on experience with neuroscience involving electrophysiology, molecular biology, cell biology, virology, biochemistry, and mouse experimentation.
• Knowledge and experience with histology and microscopy.
• Manage multiple sub-projects including maintaining accurate notebook and computer records.
• Provide regular progress reports to supervisors in written and verbal form.
• Present data in lab meetings and collaborations
• Publish activities, findings, and conclusions in recognized scientific publications and present the same at appropriate scientific conferences and forums.
• Document research leading to patent disclosure or technical and/or scientific advancement.
• Perform scholarly analysis of publications and contribute conceptual input into experimental approaches and research directions.
• Contribute to the design of research experiments including novel approaches.
• Assist with the preparation of I RB and IACUC protocols.

(25%) Organizational Services

• Assist in the training of colleagues, design of experiments, and interpretation of data.
• Maintain equipment, purchased supplies, assist with stocks, and maintain records of reagents and research materials.
• Assist with publication including figure preparation.
• Assist with patent preparation.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Minimum five years of related post-Ph.D./MD research experience or equivalent.
• Strong record of academic research publication in neuroscience including electrophysiology.

Preferred:

• Post-doctoral research experience in a field relevant to the project.
• Experience in using and/or understanding technologies involving electrophysiology, multi-electrode array recordings, mouse behavioral assays, studies of sensory and motor function, mouse genetics, and/or virology to label and trace neuronal connections.

EDUCATION

Required:

• Ph.D or MD required in biological sciences or related scientific discipline.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Demonstrate a strong prior publication record in academic research, and an ability to think critically, evaluate research literature, design experiments, interpret data, maintain accurate records, and work in a team environment is required.
• Demonstrate strong curiosity and willingness to learn and assist with the development of new cutting-edge technologies are necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and oversee independent research. This includes the ability to (a) develop, maintain, execute, and complete research projects of varying size and scope; (b) critically read, understand, and extract information from published medical and biological literature to prepare background information for scientific abstracts, manuscripts, lectures, and grant proposals; (c) perform basic data and statistical analysis; and (d) produce high-quality abstracts, manuscripts, lectures, and grant applications.
• Ability to independently design experiments and debug protocols.
• Ability to manage and track large numbers of samples meticulously.
• Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate administrative goals, prioritize plans for implementation, establish timelines, secure, and oversee the participation of appropriate contributors, organize materials, and ensure quality products within established deadlines.
• Familiarity with scientific and biomedical technology. Ability to analyze and interpret data and assist with writing scientific papers and grants.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with MAC operating systems, commonly used software, and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Interact with all levels of management and employees across multiple departments. Demonstrated ability to supervise and train students and other technicians.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory management and safety procedures.
• Ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, solve problems, and initiate actions for the effective management of a large and complex department.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent written skills and knowledge of the English language, including grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Excellent oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, tactfully, and patiently in person, on the telephone, and in writing to a diverse group of people (including researchers, health care providers, patients, research participants, administrators, and industry representatives) in the academic, scientific, and commercial communities.

The salary range for this position is $82,000-$107,250 annually.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Satisfactory completion of the Institute's background investigation.
• Willing to sign a confidentiality agreement

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position requires constant adjusting focus, grasping, hearing, keying, seeing, sitting, analyzing, calculating, communicating, reading, reasoning, writing, and working inside.