Research Assistant - Psychology

Overview:

The Department of Psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences conducts cutting-edge interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of mental processes and behavior. Our primary focus is strongly experimental, with researchers at the forefront of social psychology, neuroscience, applied cognition, human factors, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and developmental psychology. Among the departments at Tufts, we are distinctive in having one of the largest majors on campus, while simultaneously maintaining one of the university's highest research profiles. Psychology supports a robust undergraduate program with large course enrollments and a vibrant graduate program offering doctoral degrees in experimental psychology, as well as cognitive science – an interdisciplinary degree.

The Psychology Department is focused on preparing undergraduate and graduate students to ask science-based questions about the origins and mechanisms of human and animal behavior using discovery-oriented research and teaching. In addition, psychology hosts various events and activities in support of its intellectual community.

What You'll Do:

This is a two-year limited term position.

The Psychology Department is currently seeking a full-time Research Assistant to begin immediately. The Research Assistant will work closely with Dr. Marcus Weera and his lab, which conducts research in the neurobiology of stress, addiction, and social behavior. This Research Assistant will work closely with Dr. Weera to manage and coordinate lab research. This position would be an excellent fit for individuals with an educational and research background in neuroscience, with experience in using rodent models to study the neurobiology of behavior. In collaboration with Dr. Weera, the Research Assistant will:

• Develop and modify techniques and protocols, and provide input into research design
• Work independently performing a wide range of specialized techniques and experiments
• Analyze data, interpret results, and assist in writing materials for publication and presentation
• May supervise or provide work direction to others in the laboratory and help manage laboratory operations

What We're Looking For:

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree in science and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience OR a Master’s degree and up to one year laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in science
• Knowledge of and experience with advanced laboratory techniques and procedures as described in job summary, data interpretation and statistical analysis
• Experience in rodent behavior analysis, colony management, intracranial stereotaxic surgeries and site-specific microinjections, transcardial perfusions, histochemistry (i.e., RNAscope, immunohistochemistry), and fluorescence microscopy.

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

May work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials, human/animal tissue and fluids, radiation.