Research Specialist II

The primary role of the research specialist will be to assist graduate students and post-doctoral researchers within the Neuroscience of Attention & Perception Laboratory (NAPL) on non-human primate (NHP) studies investigating neural mechanisms of cognition. The research specialist will work alongside fellow lab members to implement a variety of research modalities, including monitoring behavior, electrophysiological recordings, micro-stimulation, pharmacological manipulations, optogenetics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans.

The position involves regular interaction with laboratory research animals and requires the candidate who is trained in assisting with the management of the NHP colony (in close collaboration with veterinary staff and the lab's NHP manager). Responsibilities include training animals, assisting with animal post-surgical maintenance, and building and maintaining experimental and training equipment. Along with experimentation, the candidate will assist other members in the planning and implementation of surgical procedures, learning relevant techniques and skill sets that complement the research goals of the lab while ensuring the efficient and safe operation of the lab environment.

The position is tailored for a researcher preparing for graduate-level neuroscience research or post-secondary research experience that builds upon the recent completion of a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline.

An ideal applicant will have excellent references from prior supervisors highlighting their organizational skills, presentation skills, and ability to perform research-related tasks, ranging from experimental design to adherence to institutional compliance standards. The candidate will have at least 3-6 months experience in planning and implementing surgical procedures with NHPs. They will have built and executed animal training equipment and be familiar with training rigs. Experience in training laboratory animals cage-side and experience with cage-side training set-ups and implementation of cognitive batteries.

This is a 1-year term position with the anticipation of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding.

Research Planning & Implementation

• Assisting graduate students & post-docs with experimental design & implementation (behavior, eye-tracking, electrophysiology, fMRI, CT scans)
• Training animals for behavioral tasks and operant conditioning
• Data analysis and visualization
• Assisting with surgical procedures and post-surgical maintenance
• Task piloting (behavioral, eye-tracking, fMRI)
• Developing novel solutions to experiment-related challenges
• Contributing new research ideas aligning with the objectives of the lab

Lab-related Operations

• Building and maintaining animal training and experimental equipment
• Ensuring parts and materials orders are fulfilled
• External communications with vendors and service providers
• Cleaning and sanitizing of testing rooms and lab benches
• Updating and maintaining the lab website (Drupal 9 system)
• Ensuring lab environment and procedures align with compliance standards

Logistical & Organizational Planning

• Scheduling recurring meetings
• Managing lab-related communications using Listserv
• Planning agendas/itineraries for visitors and guests

PI Special Assignments

• Form completions
• Assisting with academic journal submissions
• Assisting with grant application submissions

Essential

• Bachelors degree or higher in neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science or related field
• Prior lab-animal research experience (operant conditioning, surgical assistance, implementation of cognitive batteries, etc.)
• Prior human subjects research experience (behavioral, EEG, MRI)
• Prior experience with administrative duties, managing supply inventories, and networking interactions.
• Successful completion of MRI safety screening
• Successful completion of laboratory animal training
• At least one year experience in training laboratory animals
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, etc.)

Preferred

• Highly Preferred: MATLAB/Python/Presentation programming experience related to task design, data sorting, analysis, and visualization
• Master's degree or equivalent in psychology, neuroscience, biology, computer science, or a related field.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy. 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS