Research Associate II

This Research Associate II position is based in the Brain Health Institute (BHI) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) at the Piscataway campus. The role is full‑time (37.5 hours/week), fully on‑site, and appointed as a 12‑month staff position (FLSA Exempt, Grade 23S, HPAE 5094 union, ABP pension eligible).

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to conduct research investigating the roles of innate immunity in acquired sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear synaptopathy, neuropathy, and auditory brain plasticity. Work involves genetic mouse models, auditory function assessment, tissue harvesting and microdissection, organ culture, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging of fixed and live tissue, flow cytometry, cell sorting, sequencing, bioinformatics, inner‑ear delivery, gene or peptide therapy, and core cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, and genotyping
• Perform noise exposures and hearing function testing
• Isolate and microdissect inner‑ear tissues
• Conduct multi‑label immunohistochemistry and advanced imaging (confocal microscopy of fixed and live tissue)
• Apply cellular and molecular biology techniques, cell and tissue culturing, proteomics, and bioinformatics
• Execute inner‑ear delivery of small molecules, genes, or peptides
• Maintain accurate records of all experimentation and research
• Analyze, organize, and present data at laboratory meetings and major scientific meetings
• Write and submit abstracts for scientific meetings
• Write and submit manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals
• Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate trainees in the lab
• Plan monthly one‑on‑one meetings with the PI and participate in lab meetings and seminars
• Steer new research directions through literature review and brainstorming

Requirements

• MD or PhD in Neuroscience or a relevant field
• Minimum three (3) years of relevant research experience

Skills

• Excellent record of research achievements
• Strong communication, organizational, and time‑management skills
• Expertise in one or more of: neurobiology, cellular and molecular biology, immunology
• Comfort handling and caring for small or large animals
• Preferred: prior experience with animal handling, microscopy, tissue culturing, and omics approaches

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Pay

Salary range: $65,272 (minimum) – $78,208 (mid‑range) – $92,772 (maximum). The final offer is determined by the candidate’s qualifications, experience, expertise, availability of department or grant funds, market benchmarks, and internal equity.

Schedule

Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week. This position requires a fully on‑site work arrangement at the Piscataway (RBHS) campus.

Work environment

Scientific research laboratory. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of small packages or animal carriers. Universal safety precautions are mandatory.