Scientist, Senior Scientist

About PsychoGenics: PsychoGenics is a well-established preclinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that provides comprehensive preclinical testing capabilities in CNS and orphan disorders. PsychoGenics has established several automated behavioral platforms, including the SmartCube platform, that provide phenotypic screening at an industrial level to support drug discovery programs.

Overview of Position: We are looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our Rat Pharmacology team. The primary responsibilities of the candidate will include, but are not limited to, designing and performing behavioral experiments in rodent models of pain, performing rodent surgeries, and summarizing and presenting data. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating studies and the proper execution of experiments. 

Job Responsibilities: 

A. Execution of behavioral studies – (60%) 

• Schedule and perform behavioral experiments in rodent models of pain using a variety of tests including von Frey, acetone, and dynamic weight bearing. 

• Contribute to the optimization and validation of novel rodent pain models and endpoints. 

• Perform rodent surgery, drug formulation and administration, and tissue collection. 

B. Data analysis and summarization – (30%) 

• Summarize, analyze and present results to internal stakeholders and external clients at meetings. • Prepare Study Plans and Study Reports. 

• Engage with clients on study design and progress. 

• Generate standard operating procedures (SOP) and IACUC protocols. 

C. Supervisory and training responsibilities – (10%) 

• Train and supervise research associates in study preparation, behavioral testing, surgeries, data summarization, and use of scientific software. 

• Coordinate studies and resources within and outside of the pain research group. 

Job Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. degree in neuroscience, with a focus in pain research, is required. 

• Post-doctoral experience, minimum 3 years, in pain research using rodent behavioral pain models and rodent surgical techniques is required. 

• Must have experience working with rat models. 

• Experience in designing and performing scientific studies, analyzing and presenting data, and writing study protocols and reports. 

• Strong skills in GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Office software. 

• Effective in communicating with internal stakeholders and external clients. 

• Strong ability to work well with many people both within a team and across groups. 

• Proficient in reviewing scientific literature and research proposals. 

• High level of commitment to quality, organizational ability, and strong motivation to perform and provide deliverables to internal stakeholders and external clients. 

• Ability to provide expertise and training and to supervise research associates who are not direct reports.