NOTE: This is a flexible term position dependent on project funding. Current funding is expected for at least 2 years.
The Bioscience and Biotechnology division within Physical and Life Sciences at LLNL is seeking to fill a position for a dedicated and hardworking Research Scientist with a background in Neuroscience/Neurobiology with demonstrated experience in behavioral assessments, electrophysiology and other advanced in vivo experimentation approaches. In this position, you will direct and conduct advanced animal biology research, contributing to our understanding of the brain for mission relevant programs. Your role will involve working on defined research projects, where you will be expected to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and a keen attention to detail within a multidisciplinary team of scientists. This position is in the Animal Care Facility Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.
In this role you will:
- Lead and conduct in vivo experiments that include rat models
- Collaborate with other scientists for in vivo experiments including behavioral assays/analyses
- Utilize advanced neurobiology techniques to investigate and understand mechanisms of brain injury/repair
- Evaluate large data sets to refine, inform, and design subsequent experiments.
- Conduct literature reviews on state-of-the-art approaches relevant to the problem being addressed.
- Train and mentor early career and technician level staff
- Collaborate and interact with inter-organizational contacts and/or external customers.
- Prepare and present technical reports
Additional duties at the SES.3 level:
- Analyze current process procedures and provide feedback for the optimization and improvement of workflow.
- Perform quality control and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Provide occasional training on laboratory procedures to other employees.
- Offer feedback, identify areas of improvement and efficiency on laboratory protocols.
- Attend and present technical status reports at meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
- M.S. in Neuroscience or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Proficient experience with rat behavior and physiology techniques, including electrophysiology, behavioral testing and apparatus training and optimization.
- Proficiency in statistical data analyses.
- Comprehensive experience with ex vivo sample collection and preparation for molecular biology, histology, or -omics analyses.
- Practical experience with animal handling and behavioral testing
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and comprehensive ability to learn new software.
- Proficiency with surgical practices and histology
- AAALAS certification at LAT, LATG or CMAR level desirable.
Qualifications at the SES.3 level:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Experience in a fast-paced environment and able to work both independently and as a team member with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.
- Significant experience with in vivo behavioral assessments.
- Lead junior team members with coaching, mentoring, and training
- Conduct experiments independently, with troubleshooting and optimization as necessary
- Be responsible for experimental outcomes and report to project leads