UNIV Staff Scientist I Department of Neurosciences

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Job Description

Job Duties:

25% - Perform ex vivo electrophysiology recordings using brain slices prepared from control and alcohol exposed mice. Experiments use patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics to measure alcohol-induced changes in intrinsic excitability excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and plasticity and responsiveness of astrocytes to various modulators.

25% - Lead laboratory staff in behavioral studies of alcohol drinking in mice expressing chemogenetic and optogenetic constructs. These involve both homecage models of drinking and those using operant self-administration and are combined with fiber photometry recording of the activity of neurons and astrocytes.

20% - Perform stereotaxic surgeries on mice in preparation for in vivo behavioral and fiber photometry experiments and ex vivo slice electrophysiology experiments. The surgeries include fiber cannula implantation and injection of fluorescent retrobeads and/or viral constructs. This requires both fine-motor skills knowledge of the anatomy of the mouse nervous system and prior expertise in stereotaxic brain surgery.

15% - Analyze the behavioral electrophysiological and photometry data using specialized software (e.g. Med-Associates Axograph Synapse Matlab) and perform statistical analysis using commercially available programs (e.g. Graphpad Prism SPSS). Prepare summaries of experimental data for discussion at lab meetings with PI and staff.

15% - Prepare initial versions of manuscripts abstracts and progress reports that include publication-quality figures detailed experimental methods and drafts of the introduction results and discussion sections. Prepare posters for presentation at national and international meetings.

Additional Job Description

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. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform pinching operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs. unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects up to 30 lbs. from floor level to height of 72 inches unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects up to 30 lbs. from height of 72 inches to floor level unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas such as darkrooms. (Frequent)

Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. 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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