Research Project Assistant WPI

Research Project Assistant

This position is in the laboratory of David A. Lewis, MD, which is part of the Translational Neuroscience Program in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. The lab's research focuses on the neural circuitry of the prefrontal cortex and related brain regions and the alterations of this circuitry in schizophrenia. In addition, the lab is one of the NIH NeuroBioBank (NBB) Brain and Tissue Repositories (BTRs).

The Research Project Assistant will serve as liaison with ACMEO, where individual will be responsible for the identification, recovery and transportation of brain specimens from the cases of interest. They will participate in the initial processing, storage and tracking of all recovered brain specimens. In the laboratory, they will share responsibility of managing day-to-day activities, including brain tissue processing, retrieval, distribution, and documentation, as well as freezer organization and data entry.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Provide liaison with Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner (ACOME). Assist with Brain Bank activities, as assigned.
• Assist with brain tissue processing and documentation.
• Assist with tissue retrieval and distribution.
• Perform subject records entry in database and perform searches.
• Collect data, analyze and prepare reports of Brain Bank and ACOME activity.
• Assist with case retrieval and processing of brain tissue.
• Coordinate freezer space allocation and organization.
• Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience, Neuropathology or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a neuroscience, neuropathology or other biological science laboratory or related setting required.
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy and skill in brain removal and dissection is preferred.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages is required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology is strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory and/or project management experience preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34 with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran