Research Specialist

A Research Specialist position is available in the Department of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) in the laboratory of Ned H. Kalin, MD. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Kalin, scientists, researchers, and others to coordinate and execute studies involving nonhuman primates at the Harlow Center for Biological Psychology and the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. A major aim of the Kalin laboratory is to understand the early-life factors that contribute to the risk to develop stress-related psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on pathological anxiety disorders during the preadolescent period. An understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the risk to develop these illnesses will pave the way for the development of neuroscientifically-informed new treatments. The laboratory's ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of new treatments for children such that these interventions will alter the life-long course of suffering associated with anxiety and depression.

• 70% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 10% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 5% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 10% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

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Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in biological science, psychology, or related field.

-Experience in a research environment is highly desired.
-Experience in the handling and manipulation of nonhuman primates, specifically rhesus macaques, is highly desired.

Knowledge/Skills Required:
-Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
-Excellent oral and written communication skills.
-Ability to work independently and also work as an integral part of a team.
-Demonstrated strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.

Knowledge/Skills Preferred:
-Experience working in a Biological Safety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory.
-Experience with neuroimaging, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
-Experience assisting during surgical procedures using sterile techniques.
-Experience with drug and anesthesia administration, and venous blood collection.
-Experience with behavioral training and observation.
-Experience with behavioral scoring software programs, such as Noldus.
-Experience with statistical programs and electronic databases.
-Experience with data collection, management, and wrangling, and basic data analyses.
-Experience understanding research principles and regulations.

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $45,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

SMPH Academic Staff Benefits flyer: (https://uwmadison.box.com/s/r50myohfvfd15bqltljn0g4laubuz7t0)

-A period of evaluation is required.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

-Must be tuberculosis (TB) negative and provide written documentation to University Health
Services (UHS).

-Must provide written documentation to University Health Services (UHS) showing one of the following: 1) receipt of measles vaccination; 2) laboratory evidence of immunity to measles; or 3) laboratory confirmation of measles disease. Individuals without the aforementioned documentation will need to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.

-Allergies to animals must be controlled with medication.

-Must be able to consistently lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, sometimes at shoulder height. Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, squat, reach, bend, twist and push, etc. to safely handle nonhuman primates and conduct research.

-Must be able to stand for long periods of time during behavioral and surgical procedures, including the ability to stand completely still for up to 30 minutes at a time.

-Must be comfortable working with nonhuman primates and with wearing various required personal protective equipment (PPE).

-Must possess a valid driver's license that meets the standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate UW Fleet vehicles.

-Must be able to work at several locations on and off campus including, the Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (central campus, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR), and Blue Mounds locations), the Wisconsin Psychiatric Institute and Clinics (WisPIC), and the Waisman Center.

-Must be willing to, upon hire, complete required training and certification including the UW's Research Animal Resource and Compliance (RARC) Animal User Orientation, Surgery Fundamentals, and relevant species-specific courses; and the UW's Environment, Health and Safety Animal Research, Biological, Chemical, and Radiation Safety courses. Additional relevant training and certification may be required as needed.

-Occasional early morning, evening, late night, weekend, and holiday work will be required.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional/supervisor references as a part of the application process. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Kabao Chang
kchang52@wisc.edu
608-263-6062
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/PSYCHIATRY/PSYCHIATRY

Academic Staff-Renewable

311395-AS