HS/Associate Scientist 1

Funding available through 8/31/2026; continuance beyond that date is subject to the Department's operational needs as outlined in UBPPM #3200, Employee Classifications, Click here.

The Department of Neurosciences seeks an HS Associate Scientist 1 to work within a neurosciences research lab focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of drug and alcohol use/exposure.

The HS Associate Scientist 1 participates in the planning, development, and implementation of laboratory, clinical, and/or field research within a health science specialization. Designs and executes standard research studies within a narrowly-specified component of an integrated study. Analyzes, evaluates, and interprets data, and contributes as appropriate to the development of summary reports, presentations, and manuscripts associated with research findings.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) provides a diversified package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. For a more complete explanation of the benefits, Click here.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Collaborates with and assists investigators or staff scientists in the planning, development, and implementation of laboratory, clinical, and/or field research studies.

* Designs and independently executes standard research methods, protocols, and procedures.

* Analyses, evaluates, and interprets research data, and prepares summations and inferences for review by investigators.

* Contributes as appropriate to the development of summary reports, presentations, and manuscripts associated with original research findings.

* Provides professional guidance, leadership, and instruction to technical support staff and/or students engaged in specific project activities; may provide full supervision to technical support staff, as appropriate.

* Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.

* Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Specific Technical Duties and Responsibilities Include:

* Setting up and performing alcohol exposure experiments in mice.

* Performing stereotaxic survival surgery in mice to implant neural electrodes and infuse viruses.

* Performing behavioral testing in mice while recording neurophysiology and conducting optogenetics.

* Collect and prepare brain tissue for ultrastructural transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, slide scanning microscopy, or single nuclei sequencing.

* Performing histological sectioning and immunofluorescence histochemistry on mouse brain tissue.

* Performing confocal stereological analysis on histological sections.

* Compile and analyze data for publication and research presentations using the above-stated methodologies.

* Training undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, and staff how to perform the above-stated methodologies.

* Writing and submitting IACUC protocols

* Managing/ordering research supplies and research supplies budget.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

* B.S. in Neuroscience and/or Developmental Biology with at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Experience in:

* Working with and performing necropsies on laboratory animals, particularly mice and/or rats, is highly preferable.

* Experience with stereotaxic surgeries in rodents is highly preferable.

* Experience with cardiothoracic perfusions for tissue preservation.

* Biomedical laboratory research, including techniques such as tissue staining, RNA/DNA extraction and processing, PCR, electrophoresis, Immunofluorescence histochemistry, protein analysis (Western blots), and behavioral experiments.

* Handling and working with very small parts (e.g. building models/bead work).

* Compiling and organizing very large datasets.

* Monitoring laboratory equipment, chemical/supplies inventory, and purchasing.

* Making research presentations (i.e. a poster presentations) and drafting/publishing manuscripts and abstracts.

* Training staff on technical duties.

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visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.