UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Bharioke Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Specialist 1 to join our lab in the Department of Neuroscience. This position is intended for individuals with a strong computer science background who are interested in exploring how biological-inspired changes to artificial neural networks may change the performance of such networks.

The lab focuses on understanding the rules underlying the organization and function of cortical circuits. We employ a variety of techniques to accomplish these goals in vivo combining experimental approaches (deep tissue calcium imaging optogenetics and chemogenetics) with creative computational analyses. We are also interested in exploring how the insights gained from these experiments can apply in artificial neural networks both to improve the performance of these networks and to gain insight into the computational reasoning behind specific biological adaptations.

The ideal individual for this position will have the capacity to work independently and the drive to push past potential difficulties and come up with creative solutions. This individual should show initiative be a self-starter and highly motivated with a strong work ethic.

The individual will be one of the first members of the lab and will interact closely with both the PI and other members of a growing group. This will entail both the ability to work on their scientific questions independently along with the flexibility to work as a team when necessary. Further they may be expected to both learn from and teach other members of the lab. Finally the individual can expect that their work will contribute to answering novel questions in both computer science and neuroscience and to publishable units in the future. If so they will be included in those publications.

This position is part-time (20 hours per week) and largely during normal business hours however occasional weekend or work on holidays may also be present.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

32686.00 - 46578.50 - 60471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:
35%- Designing artificial neural networks: Design artificial neural networks that incorporate biologically inspired changes to their structure.

35%- Implementing and simulating artificial neural networks: Implement artificial neural networks on local and cloud-based resources and perform simulations of these networks to assay the performance of such networks.

20%- Guidance to other lab members: Help other lab members better understand the principles underlying artificial neural networks through teaching guidance and possibly journal clubs of relevant papers.

10%- Contributing to Scientific Environment: Participate in laboratory and departmental events including lab meetings (where they may present data) and departmental seminars (when possible). The applicant will be encouraged to attend scientific conferences to expand their knowledge base.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelors degree in chemistry biology or other natural life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32 F to 100 F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions stretch bend while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift file boxes from floor level to counter tops unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/ Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. (Frequent) Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops 50 lbs. or greater unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision corrected in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors normally. (Continuous) Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous) Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. (Continuous) Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film etc. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use initially and annually. (Continuous)

Additional New Requirements: Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion or belief age sex national origin gender identity sexual orientation disability protected veteran status family or parental status or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications merit and business need.

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