Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge, LA
posted 5 days ago
Full-time - Entry Level
Baton Rouge, LA
Educational Services
About the position
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Research Associate 1 or 2 in the Animal Metabolism and Behavior Core (AMBC). The Animal Metabolism and Behavior Core (AMBC) provides equipment and services to examine the metabolic and behavioral phenotype of mice and rats, supporting research scientists both within and outside Pennington Biomedical. The research associate will assist the AMBC Director and AMBC Manager with the daily operation of the AMBC and serve as the primary backup to manage the activities within the AMBC in the absence of the AMBC Manager.
Responsibilities
- Set up equipment and instrumentation in preparation for experiments and daily data checks to ensure the systems are running properly.
- Maintain working knowledge of equipment, including set-up, breakdown, sanitation, proper storage when not in use, and re-commissioning of equipment from storage.
- Troubleshooting data and equipment problems as they arise, performing scheduled inventory to replace/repair missing or broken parts as needed, and ensuring all software is up to date.
- Coordinate with lab staff regarding study timelines and goals.
- Train AMBC users on the proper use of the equipment, how to set up and break down equipment, and understand their daily duties during each experiment.
- Manage AMBC data, including quality control, and distribution to users, and assisting lab staff with data analysis.
- Work directly with equipment manufacturers to identify and resolve issues within experimental data.
- Assist Core leadership with developing, updating, and maintaining compliance with standard operating procedures for instrumentation in the AMBC.
- Support the execution of experimental protocols, particularly for external users/clients, including in vivo experimentation, animal handling, and data collection.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a science or health related field.
- Proficiency with computers and programs (MS Office Suite) and ability to learn software specific to metabolic, behavioral, and phenotyping equipment.
- Experience with in vivo preclinical MRI would be highly valued and could lead to expanded role opportunities.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment with some level of independence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree in a science or health related field.
- Two or more years of experience using equipment for metabolic and/or behavioral phenotyping of laboratory rodents.
- Knowledge of metabolic and behavioral software programs (e.g. Promethion live, Macro Interpreter, Cal-R, Expedata, Ethovision, Anymaze).
- Knowledge of statistical software (e.g. JMP, SPSS, R).
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Retirement options
- Various leave options
- Paid holidays
- Wellness benefits
- Tuition exemption for qualified positions
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee discounts
