Research Assistant - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences Department

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.

The Hong Lab is interested in investigating the neuronal circuits underlying sensory-guided behavior and decision-making. Our goal is to understand how the brain mediates sensory perception and decision making, as well as how the brain may be altered in disease, including stroke and autism spectrum disorders.

We seek a highly motivated Research Assistant with strong organizational and communication skills to help with the day-to-day operations in the lab. This role will be responsible for maintaining a mouse colony, assisting with behavioral training of mice, and providing technical and administrative support for students and research staff. The position is ideal for someone looking for research experience in systems neuroscience before applying to graduate or medical school, or for a long-term position in research and lab management. Opportunities for independent projects, intellectually contributing to on-going research are encouraged and available depending on interest and background.

Core Responsibilities:

• Training animals to perform behavioral tasks, including the daily handling and training of mice, monitoring and documenting animal health.
• Performing experiments for data acquisition and analysis
• Overseeing daily operations of the animal colony including maintaining transgenic lines, animal husbandry, tissue sample collection for genotyping, PCR, and ensuring the well-being of the animals.
• Overseeing orientation of new lab members in the proper care of animals and their environment; ensuring humane care of animals is valued and encouraged according to high ethical and scientific standards.
• Maintaining and ordering general lab reagents and supplies.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or related field (biology, engineering, computer science) required.
• 1-3 years of experience working with animals (handling, behavioral training, or maintaining) is required.
• Must have prior experience with, and be comfortable with working regularly with mice.
• The ideal candidate is organized, responsible and service-minded, able to work well independently within a team environment. Strong interpersonal and communications are essential for working with multiple lab members and understanding changing research needs and providing technical advice when needed.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an in-office presence 3 days a week.
• Typical Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:00pm.
• Fixed Term: This is a fixed term position with an estimated duration of 24 months.
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Researchers

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: