Research Assistant (Contractor) – Neuropsychopharmacology
RTI International
Summary
This position will support a neuropsychopharmacology laboratory focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying reward, stress, and pain. The Research Assistant will contribute to laboratory studies involving behavioral testing, pharmacological interventions, neural activity monitoring, and data collection in rodents.
Job description
As a Research Assistant, you will support nonclinical and preclinical neuropsychopharmacology studies investigating the neural mechanisms underlying reward, stress, and pain. You will work closely with the research team to conduct behavioral and dosing studies in rodents, collect and manage study data, and support laboratory operations.
In this role, you will:
- Conduct behavioral and dosing experiments in laboratory rodents.
- Perform rodent surgeries, including intracranial procedures, and provide pre- and post-operative care.
- Manipulate and monitor neural activity in rodents during behavioral tasks.
- Collect, document, and maintain accurate behavioral observations and study data.
- Review study data and associated records for accuracy and completeness.
- Monitor laboratory rodents and assess animal health and well-being.
- Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, records, and inventory.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.
- Follow established protocols, standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements, including NIH, GLP, and DEA regulations, as applicable.
- Assist with laboratory inspections and preparation of inspection materials.
- Support the training of new or less experienced laboratory staff.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, and external collaborators.
- Occasionally work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays based on study
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on research or laboratory experience working with rodents.
- Experience with behavioral or pharmacological models in rodents.
- Experience with rodent surgery and/or pre- and post-operative care.
- Experience with neural recording techniques or monitoring neural activity in behaving animals.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting data generated from in vivo neural recordings.
- Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, R, or other statistical/data analysis software.
- Experience with microscopy or analysis of microscopy-generated data.
- Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment or following GLP principles.
Requirements
- Ongoing or completed bachelor's degree in neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, biology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation.
- Ability to follow established protocols, standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced research environment.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations required for data analysis and drug dosing.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Retirement savings program
- 401(k) plan
- Paid parental leave
- Adoption expense assistance
- Infertility treatment assistance
- Education reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
Company overview
RTI International is a leading nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Founded in 1958 as the Research Triangle Institute, the organization conducts research and provides technical services in areas including health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory and chemistry services. With headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, RTI employs over 5,000 staff members worldwide who work across more than 75 countries. The institute is known for its rigorous scientific approach to solving complex problems and has established itself as a trusted partner for government agencies, foundations, and private sector clients seeking evidence-based solutions to global challenges. RTI's work spans from basic scientific research to applied policy analysis, with a strong emphasis on translating research findings into practical applications that benefit society.