Research Assistant I

Hiring Organization:
UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center


Position Description:
Function: To provide technical assistance in carrying out various behaviorally-oriented research projects in the chimpanzee section.

Scope: Performs technical duties in accordance with general and specific plans given by the behavioral care and enrichment section chief.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1) Individual will help coordinate, collect and conduct cognitive and behaviorally-related research, by processing data from activities involving the observation, testing, and imaging (magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography) of the chimpanzee colony. The data will come from animal behavioral observations, treatment sheets, neurobiological measures, and other records.
2) May also assist with behavioral management protocols and support other in-vivo studies in chimpanzees.
3) Duties will primarily include computerized recording of data, verifying data entry, and helping to organize and process reports.
4) May help collect body fluid and other biological samples and process them according to the SOP’s.
5) Visually and manually perform literature searches and apply findings for related studies.
6) Assist the behavioral scientists in the preparation of presentations, reports and publications.
7) Work cooperatively with other behavioral and chimpanzee care personnel to improve the research, behavioral management, and animal healthcare programs.

MARGINAL DUTIES:

1) Provide support for imaging procedures.
2) Organize files and data manually and on the computer.
3) Give oral presentations at professional conferences and on-site training programs.
4) To be knowledgeable of section SOPs , chimpanzee release and capture procedures, and the behavioral management program.
5) Active participation in department-sponsored training programs is required.

Qualifications/Experience:
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor’s degree with major course work in one of the basic sciences.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in psychology. anthropology, biology, zoology or related discipline.

EXPERIENCE
Required: None.
Preferred: A minimum of 2 years of experience conducting basic or applied research
involving animal models. Experience with Great Apes, especially chimpanzees is desirable, as is experience with non-invasive imaging technology. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team are also desirable.

EQUIPMENT
The use of desktop and portable computers is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, observational, and statistical software is highly desirable.

Salary/funding:
Salary range is $25,500-$36,600.

Term of Appointment:
Regular, Full-time

Application Deadline:
June 30, 2012

Comments:
Applications must be submitted online at http://www.mdanderson.org/careers/index.html. Please type in BASTROP in the location search field to view this posting, Req.# 4738.

Contact Information:
Lisa Watson
650 Cool Water Dr.
Bastrop, TX 78602
USA

Telephone Number:
512-321-3991

Fax Number:
512-332-5208

Website:
http://www.mdanderson.org

E-mail Address:
lkwatson@mdanderson.org