This position is for two years (one initial year, with the possibility for an additional one year renewal following evaluation), also with the possibility of a shift to full-time status in the future depending on funding. The preferred start date is May 1, 2023. The lab uses rodent models to study the ontogeny of learning and memory as well as the mechanisms by which normal development can be disrupted following early-life events. We are looking for a research assistant to help manage the rodent facilities, collaborate with undergraduates on their thesis projects, and support the general research program. A successful candidate will have animal handling experience, be independent, have excellent time management and communication skills, and be able to adapt to evolving research needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Helping with lab organization and other support duties relating to lab operations
• Assisting undergraduates with thesis projects including assisting with behavioral procedures, postmortem tissue collection, and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of thesis data
• Performing rodent colony management, husbandry, breeding, and maintenance of real-time animal colony database
• Independently scheduling and conducting experimental studies including behavioral assays, surgical procedures, and tissue dissection
• Assisting with routine terminal procedures, and performing necropsy procedures to collect brains, blood, or other tissue types, and histological procedures, such as cryo-sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy
• Performing injections via various routes including s.c., i.p., i.v., and oral gavage and blood draws (previous experience with injection techniques are preferred but not required)
• Working with potentially hazardous chemicals, biological materials, surgical anesthesia, and histochemical assays
• Knowledge of and strict adherence to safety procedures, IACUC protocols, Haverford college rules and regulations, and compliance with all safety training protocols

Line of Report: This position will report directly to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the lab, Dr. Patrese A. Robinson-Drummer, and work closely with the psychology department and neuroscience area staff assistants/technicians. There are no positions that report to this Research Technician.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology or related field
• At least one year of hands-on experience with rodent research models

Professional Competencies

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft word, excel, powerpoint and Google suite
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction, and to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques
• Strong time management and record-keeping skills with meticulous accuracy and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior practical experience with animal husbandry (including breeding and colony management) and lab management
• Previous training in tissue sectioning, stereotaxic surgery, immunohistochemistry, and transcardial perfusion

Essential Employee: This is an Essential Personnel role. This status determines for the identification, treatment of time, and use of “Essential Personnel” during campus emergencies, including those that dictate suspension of services and/or closure of operations, i.e., inclement weather. During an emergency, Essential Personnel are required to be on campus in order to provide services that relate directly to the health, safety, and welfare of the College, ensure continuity of key operations, and maintain and protect College’s properties.   

Special Requirements

• All faculty and staff (including contract workers) who are employed or engaged by Haverford College must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (to include a booster dose when eligible), and provide proof of vaccination, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted as an accommodation or otherwise.
• This position may require periodic evening, weekend, and holiday hours for animal care.

To Apply: Interested applicants are invited to submit an application, to include a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three (3) references by visiting https://haverford.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Haverford-Campus/Research-Technician_R470. The application deadline is April 12, 2023.  Application review will begin after the deadline has passed.

Haverford College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and providing equal opportunities and access to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. Women, non-binary and transgender individuals, people of color, Indigenous people, and those with other or multiple historically marginalized and/or underrepresented identities are especially encouraged to apply. Haverford College and our consortial partners are located on Lenape lands