Research Scientist II - Neurological Sciences - Full-time

This Research Scientist II position will join a new and dynamic laboratory focusing on the pathophysiology and treatment of Parkinson's disease. A key NIH-funded project involves interrogating the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on brain neural circuits, and associated motor and non-motor behaviors in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. Laboratory tools include optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology, histology, microscopy, and behavioral assessments.

The position involves exciting opportunities for continual learning and multifaceted career development. Skill-building opportunities include presenting at scientific meetings, authoring papers and grants, and mentoring junior lab members. The Research Scientist is eligible to enroll in institutional career development programs (https://www.rushu.rush.edu/about/faculty-affairs/rush-mentoring-programs), and will be encouraged to establish a mentoring team. The position is in the Division of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders of the Department of Neurological Sciences, which has a world-renowned clinical and translational research program. Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) is located in the near west side of Chicago. Metropolitan Chicago is the home of six major medical centers, and RUMC is a leader in several city-wide multi-institutional partnerships, including NIH-supported Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM) which provides extensive opportunities for networking and collaboration (https://www.rushu.rush.edu/research/institute-translational-medicine-rush).

Job Summary:

This senior research position involves designing and performing scientific experiments, banking research specimens, analyzing data, preparing and presenting reports, and crafting manuscripts for publication. The work will be performed in a transparent, collaborative context, with an emphasis on novel research that translates to improving brain disorders in humans. The position exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct and conduct research experiments.

• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and data collected.

• Statistically analyze data. Interpret outcomes and provide summaries.

• Remain current in relevant scientific literature to help identify novel research projects, experimental protocols and potential research directions related to research activities of the laboratory.

• Support and train laboratory personnel, residents and students.

• Assist in preparation of research manuscripts and grant proposals.

• Manage and organize laboratory activities.

• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with governmental and University policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.

• Collaborate with statisticians, and departmental research coordinators and staff.

• Rodent handling and working with animal tissues.

• Continual learning and skill-building related to laboratory goals.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in basic sciences or relevant field and 3 years of laboratory research experience or a Master¡¦s degree with at least 6 years of research experience

• Possess integrity, honesty and dependability.

• Strong software skills, including experience with word processing, spread sheets and database management.

• Excellent communication, analytical and technical writing skills.

• Ability to work independently; to self-initiate, prioritize and manage own work.

• Skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary teamwork.

• Highly-motivated, enthusiastic and detail-oriented.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• First-author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal

• Experience in one or more of these areas:

  • molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and microscopy

  • laboratory rodent handling, stereotaxic neurosurgery, and behavioral assessments

  • optogenetics, chemogenetics and electrophysiology

Competencies:

Documentation of research conducted and presentation skills (e.g., presenting at meetings) and writing skills (e.g., first authored manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal).

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Company Highlights:

• Ranked among the top academic medical centers in the country, Rush University Medical Center is an outstanding place to enhance your career. Everything we do centers on one goal: improving patient care.

• Leading academic medical center, acute care hospital w/ 664 licensed beds.

• Ranked among the top 20 "Best Places to Work" by Indeed.

• In U.S. News & World Report's 2017-2018 Best Hospitals issue, Rush ranked among the top 50 hospitals in 8 of 16 categories.

• Rush University Medical Center received five stars in a quality rating system by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Rush University Medical Center is the only five-star academic medical center in the Chicago area.

• Rush has been named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the country by Truven Health Analytics three times.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.