Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Associate I within the newly established Rutgers Center for NeuroMetabolism (CNM) at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey (CHINJ) of Rutgers Health. This role is essential in driving high-quality neurometabolic research by overseeing operational and strategic workflows and ensuring alignment with CNM's mission to advance knowledge in brain-body interactions and metabolic diseases.
The primary purpose of the Research Associate I (RA1) is to help establish and coordinate research procedures in the CNM. These include to establish the standard of procedures for animal experiments for studying the central control of metabolism such as animal breeding, brain slice electrophysiology, in vivo recordings, behavioral tests and other phenotyping of aspects of animal experiments. The RA1 should also be responsible for teaching junior members of the research team, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students and research assistants at CNM.
Among the key duties for this position are the day-to-day research operations, including writing grant proposals with the faculty members at CNM, assist the faculty members at CNM for project management and progress reports. Additionally, the RA1 should engage in the educational training activities and help maintain proper operation of the instrumentation for research. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
The Research Associate I (RA1) will play a key role in advancing neurometabolic research at the CNM by supporting and executing cutting-edge experiments focused on brain-body interactions and metabolic diseases. This position requires expertise in animal models, neurophysiology, and molecular techniques to investigate the central regulation of metabolism. The RA1 will also contribute to data analysis, research publications, and mentorship of junior lab members.
Designs, performs, and optimizes experiments related to the central control of metabolism.
Analyzes electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral data using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
Assists in preparing research findings for publications, conference presentations, and grant applications.
Conducts literature reviews to support ongoing projects and identify emerging trends in the field.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Ph.D. Degree or equivalent in Neuroscience, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field plus two (2) years of research experience in neuroscience, metabolism, or a closely related area.
City: New Brunswick
State: NJ
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Physical Demands:
Must be comfortable working in a research laboratory environment.
May require lifting laboratory equipment and supplies (up to 25 lbs.).
Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or walking during experimental procedures.
Frequent computer use for data analysis, documentation, and research writing.
May need to travel within campus for meetings, training sessions, or collaborative projects.
Work Environment:
Research laboratory and office setting, moderate noise levels.
Must pass employee health clearance, TB test, and required safety training.
Must adhere to safety protocols and procedures when handling laboratory animals, chemicals, and equipment.
Occasional participation in scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars may be required.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national public research university and the state's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Rutgers is dedicated to teaching that meets the highest standards of excellence; to conducting research that breaks new ground; and to turning knowledge into solutions for local, national, and global communities. As it was at our founding in 1766, the heart of our mission is preparing students to become productive members of society and good citizens of the world. Rutgers teaches across the full educational spectrum: preschool to precollege; undergraduate to graduate and postdoctoral; and continuing education for professional and personal advancement. Rutgers is New Jersey's land-grant institution and one of the nation's foremost research universities, and as such, we educate, make discoveries, serve as an engine of economic growth, and generate ideas for improving people's lives.