Laboratory Technician - Behavioral Neuroscience (Animal Research)

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About the role

The Laboratory Technician supports animal-based behavioral neuroscience research within the Department of Psychology, with primary responsibility for an alcohol self-administration research program using rodent models. The position coordinates daily experimental operations, including operant behavioral procedures, animal handling, and laboratory preparation necessary to execute substance-use research protocols. Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the technician assists in implementing behavioral pharmacology studies, maintains animal research documentation, prepares experimental materials, and ensures compliance with institutional animal care and use standards. This role requires technical competency in animal handling, operant conditioning systems, and research compliance, as well as the ability to coordinate undergraduate research assistants involved in project workflows.

This is a part-time (20 hours/week), grant-funded adjunct staff position. This position is not designated as essential staff during institutional curtailment periods.

Responsibilities

• Behavioral Experimentation & Operant Procedures (40%)
  • Conduct rodent behavioral testing for alcohol self-administration studies.
  • Operate and maintain operant conditioning chambers (e.g., lever press, dipper, cue delivery systems).
  • Execute daily experimental sessions, including fixed ratio, progressive ratio, or demand procedures as required.
  • Monitor behavioral responding and troubleshoot equipment or protocol issues.
  • Assist in behavioral shaping, training acquisition, and reinforcement schedule implementation.
• Animal Handling & Research Support (25%)
  • Handle and transport rodents in accordance with IACUC and institutional animal care guidelines.
  • Assist with dosing procedures, including alcohol administration or pharmacological manipulations as approved.
  • Support pre- and post-procedure monitoring of animals.
  • Maintain accurate animal records, cage cards, and protocol logs.
  • Coordinate with veterinary and animal care staff as needed.
• Laboratory Operations & Materials Preparation (15%)
  • Prepare solutions, including alcohol dilutions and other experimental reagents.
  • Set up experimental rooms and equipment prior to behavioral sessions.
  • Maintain operant hardware, fluid delivery systems, and calibration procedures.
  • Track laboratory supply inventory and coordinate restocking.
• Data & Compliance Documentation (10%)
  • Maintain daily laboratory records and behavioral session logs.
  • Ensure accurate documentation aligned with IACUC protocols and grant requirements.
  • Organize experimental data files and assist with quality control checks.
  • Support protocol renewals, amendments, and compliance reporting.
• Research Assistant Training & Coordination (10%)
  • Train undergraduate research assistants in animal handling and behavioral procedures.
  • Supervise RA participation during experimental sessions.
  • Ensure adherence to laboratory SOPs, safety standards, and ethical conduct.
  • Provide feedback to the PI regarding RA performance and training needs.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on animal research experience sufficient to perform technical behavioral laboratory work after a reasonable training period.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Eligibility to work with research animals under institutional IACUC approval.
• Completion of institutional animal care and use training upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral neuroscience or psychopharmacology research methods.
• Competence in rodent handling and restraint techniques.
• Familiarity with operant conditioning systems and behavioral testing workflows.
• Ability to prepare drug and alcohol solutions accurately.
• Strong observational skills for monitoring animal health and behavior.
• Record-keeping precision aligned with regulatory compliance.
• Ability to train and oversee undergraduate assistants.
• Organizational skills for managing concurrent experimental cohorts.
• Commitment to humane animal care and research ethics.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work in animal research environments.
• Willingness to work flexible hours aligned with behavioral testing schedules.
• Medical clearance and occupational health compliance as required for animal work.
• Continued employment contingent on performance, project scope, and funding availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with rodent operant self-administration models.
• Experience with alcohol or drug reinforcement paradigms.
• Familiarity with progressive ratio or behavioral economic demand procedures.
• Experience with behavioral data systems (e.g., Med Associates).
• Surgical assistance or stereotaxic experience.
• Experience maintaining IACUC protocols or animal colony records.

Pay

$22.00 per hour

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Schedule

Part-time (20 hours/week)