Department Overview

This position supports ongoing research in the laboratory of Dr. Tamara Phillips Richards (nee Phillips). The individual will assist in research projects that utilize behavioral, molecular and pharmacogenetic tools to determine mechanisms involved in drug and alcohol intake and responses in mice.

Mechanistic hypotheses will be examined by treating mice with placebo or a putative treatment drug and examining the impact on drug intake or a drug response. Studies focus on the role of genetics, individual differences, and acute and chronic drug effects. The duties include performance of a variety of standardized procedures (e.g., behavioral, surgical, molecular, biochemical), with considerable independence, in support of biomedical research projects focused on the genetic basis of addiction. Also necessary is the ability to interpret test results, prepare data summaries, recognize unexpected deviations and report them immediately, conduct non-standardized analytical methods and perform data analysis according to standards.

The candidate will be expected to set up and perform research in a rigorous and efficient manner, and to keep pristine laboratory records. Finally, training of junior staff, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in specific methods, as directed, is required. Weekend duties are necessary as dictated by experimental protocols and as assigned.

Function/Duties of Position

• Behavioral testing of mice using a variety of assays including, but not limited to, measuring locomotor activity, motor coordination, body temperature, 2- and 4-bottle choice drinking, single bottle limited access drinking, operant self-administration, drug conditioned place preference, drug conditioned taste aversion, cognitive testing, and other behavioral assays, as dictated by the research aims.
• Preparation and planning for biomedical experiments in a timely manner. This will include: obtaining subjects, obtaining supplies, reserving space and equipment, assuring the proper environment for subjects, creation of data collection sheets, aiding with the development of the experimental protocol, obtaining final approval of the experimental protocol before moving forward, and other duties as assigned/necessary to ensure successful study completion. Preparation may include discussion with Drs. Phillips and Reed, Phillips Lab staff, VMU staff, and/or other laboratories. Thus, a high level of communication skill is implicitly required.
• Data collection and data entry for biomedical experiments. Physical and electronic records will be kept for each study in an orderly and timely manner. That is, all records must accurately, legibly and completely record experimental data and results of procedures used, to allow for replication by others. Experimental data entry is not considered complete until double-checked. All results are to be provided to the lab manager/PI within a timely manner.
• Other duties as needed: brain harvesting, brain slicing for immunohistochemical (IHC) or structural analysis, IHC analysis for c-fos or other protein, radioimmunoassay for specific hormones or neurotransmitters, autoradiography, DNA sampling and extraction, quantitative PCR genotyping, etc.
• Lab/equipment maintenance, supply ordering
• Record keeping, data analysis and archiving; data figure preparation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field; OR
• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR
• 4 years of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience
• MS Office software competency.
• Statistical software and analysis competency.
• Laboratory animal handling.
• The ability to perform detailed laboratory work.
• Ability to work collegially in a group setting.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology, Experimental or Physiological Psychology, Biochemistry, or Neuroscience field.
• 2-5 years of laboratory experience performing mouse behavior protocols; experience with molecular procedures; strong statistical expertise.
• Small rodent animal handling, including administration of drugs by injection.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, genotyping, immunohistochemistry, including preparation of tissue.
• Experience with statistical analysis; preparation of data figures.
• Ability to work independently.

Additional Details

Working Conditions: Largely M-F eight hours/day; however, some weekend/holiday work and longer work days should be expected. Specific hours of work on each day should be expected to be variable.

Physical Demands/Equipment Usage: Ability to walk from VA to OHSU. Ability to work directly with laboratory rodents. Lifting up to 50 pounds; lifting above head; climbing onto stool or small ladder to reach some equipment and upper shelves. The ability to perform repetitive tasks. Standing and moving throughout the research lab and animal facility. Exposure to mice, various chemicals and solvents apply to this position.

All are welcome