NIH-SOAR-CC-Animal Biologist

Animal Biologist

Overall Position Summary and Objectives

The purpose of this position is to support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Deliverables:

• Work products and documents related to implementation of rat behavioral phenotyping for STARRRS. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to implementation of rat behavioral phenotyping for LBN/NAS. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to the data collection, data analysis, distribution, and archiving. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to presenting ongoing research and findings at weekly lab/section meetings. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to generating and managing long-term archive of biological samples, data, neuroimaging, and other project materials. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to establishing, supporting and overseeing large aged rat colony, enabling collaborations and data distribution. - Ad-Hoc

Work Details:

• Studies the basic principles of animal life and the effects of varying environmental factors.
• Conduct behavioral testing and perform surgery on small animal models
• Perform behavioral assays in association with the primary research project 1
• Perform animal habituation for behavioral experiments; monitor animal acclimatization to behavioral cages by measuring food and water consumption
• Work with staff to manage and conduct behavioral training and testing of animals for users of the Section 5
• Observe and record behavior of animals to detect maladjustment or stereotypies
• Conduct animal behavioral testing, including T-maze, step down, conditioned place preference version, oral, inhalation and intravenous drug self-administration, forced-swim test, hot-plate, tail-flick, von Frey, locomotion, elevated plus maze, open-field, novel object recognition, ultrasonic vocalization recording and startle reflex
• Conducts research and performs experiments on the selection and breeding of animals.
• Update animal protocol through the submission of amendments and submission of new animal protocols to ensure necessary animal work for experiments
• Determine type and number of animals to order and start labs colony of animals
• Anticipate animal needs for lab research and colony maintenance; adjust the number of breeding pairs accordingly
• Maintains animal colonies.
• Communicate and collaborate with investigators regarding colony and support duties
• Handle, dissect and euthanize animals 4
• Performs simple surgeries on animals.
• Handle, dissect and euthanize animals
• Perform animal preparation including anesthesia, injection catheters and physiological monitoring
• Handle experimental animals including tail vein injections, administration of anesthesia and monitoring of animal viral signs
• Perform skilled routine surgical procedures in support of on-going animal studies
• Develop new surgical or animal handling techniques as needed to support projects
• Perform complex surgical techniques, necropsies, blood and tissue sample collection
• Conduct technical procedures, intubation, sedation and insertion of catheters
• Prepare animals for surgery and ensure proper disposal of animal carcasses
• Prepares and analyzes animal tissues.
• Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques
• Performs molecular biology techniques.
• Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques
• Performs immunohistochemistry on animal tissues.
• Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry
• Analyzes experimental data.
• Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze and interpret data
• Perform quantitative analysis; data analysis, figure preparation, and image acquisition; maintain complete and detailed records of all experiments
• Collect, organize and record experimental data for publication and future reference by others
• Collect, review, research, and analyze large datasets; perform experiments, utilizing various statistical applications and methods; and interpret data, assemble data into figures, and enter data into a database
• Collate, edit and archive electronic and paper laboratory files, notebooks and databases
• Maintain records of experimental results; work with staff to analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries of laboratory findings
• Perform computer analysis and use computer software to prepare images
• Edits and writes research papers and protocols.
• Prepare reports and manuscripts based on experimental results
• Participate and collaborate in the preparation of scientific publications for peer reviewed journals based on the results
• Document information on procedures, modifications and methods for input into final publication and presentations of findings at meetings
• Work with staff on the preparation of data and images for use in research presentations and publications
• Compile, write and present scientific data in conferences; write articles
• Edit and write research papers and protocols
• Selects, devises, plans, and executes the most appropriate experiments for analysis and interpretation of data, for developing strategies, for pursuing significant observances, and for ensuring accuracy of data.
• Work with staff on the modification of laboratory protocols and experiments based on literature findings
• Search and review literature related to project; summarize and evaluate findings
• Document all laboratory procedures, experiments and results; maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases 2
• Develop, validate, perform and interpret a variety of complex experimental techniques and procedures; work with staff to develop procedures addressing new animal study needs, logistics, modifications to standard operating procedures, andor existing guidelines to resolve technical problems
• Collaborate with team members to determine, evaluate and discuss the progress of projects; point out problems and suggest solutions to problems or augmentation of experimental approaches
• Participate in developing and performing experiments, organizing protocols and performing technical troubleshooting
• Locate and review the literature pertinent to projects to identify the most applicable protocols and methods; perform experiments in accordance with protocols
• Manage oversight and progress of critical results in animal-based experiments including evaluating goal-specific phenotypes of animals; collaborate with Primary investigators and other experimental team members to determine, evaluate and discuss the progress of projects
• Assist in acquisition of fMRI images in rodents, including but not limited to anesthesia support 3

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Qualifications:

• Minimum Education - Bachelors

Skills (Ranked By Priority)

Extensive animal handling experience

Rodent brain/sample collection, preparation

Behavioral/Operant programming experience

Publications demonstrating experience in Behavioral Neuroscience

Small animal MRI brain image acquisition in processing

Strong communication skills both oral and written

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Benefits

• 100% Medical Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees​
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth​
• Paid Time Off (Including Holidays) ​
• Employee Referral Bonus ​
• Profit Sharing
• 401K Matching​
• Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

The diversity of Axle's employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact careers@axleinfo.com.

Disclaimer: The above is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individual's assigned to this position or job . This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job or responsibilities as needed.