Research Associate I

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 08, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Research Associate I
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	RWJ-Child Health Institute
Overview	New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Associate I within the newly established Rutgers Center for NeuroMetabolism ( CNM) at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey ( CHINJ) of Rutgers Health. This role is essential in driving high-quality neurometabolic research by overseeing operational and strategic workflows and ensuring alignment with CNM's mission to advance knowledge in brain-body interactions and metabolic diseases. The primary purpose of the Research Associate I (RA1) is to help establish and coordinate research procedures in the CNM. These include to establish the standard of procedures for animal experiments for studying the central control of metabolism such as animal breeding, brain slice electrophysiology, in vivo recordings, behavioral tests and other phenotyping of aspects of animal experiments. The RA1 should also be responsible for teaching junior members of the research team, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students and research assistants at CNM. Among the key duties for this position are the day-to-day research operations, including writing grant proposals with the faculty members at CNM, assist the faculty members at CNM for project management and progress reports. Additionally, the RA1 should engage in the educational training activities and help maintain proper operation of the instrumentation for research. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary. Among the key duties of this position are the following: The Research Associate I (RA1) will play a key role in advancing neurometabolic research at the CNM by supporting and executing cutting-edge experiments focused on brain-body interactions and metabolic diseases. This position requires expertise in animal models, neurophysiology, and molecular techniques to investigate the central regulation of metabolism. The RA1 will also contribute to data analysis, research publications, and mentorship of junior lab members. Designs, performs, and optimizes experiments related to the central control of metabolism. Analyzes electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral data using appropriate statistical and computational tools. Assists in preparing research findings for publications, conference presentations, and grant applications. Conducts literature reviews to support ongoing projects and identify emerging trends in the field.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	26S
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	73161.00
Annual Mid Range Salary	87905.00
Annual Maximum Salary	104450.00
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	HPAE 5094
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Ph.D. Degree or equivalent in Neuroscience, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field plus two (2) years of research experience in neuroscience, metabolism, or a closely related area.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Strong expertise in animal models, brain slice electrophysiology, behavioral neuroscience. Proficiency in data analysis, statistical interpretation, and scientific writing. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in a research environment. Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Effective communication skills to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Demonstrated ability to function independently and proactively in a research setting. Capacity to troubleshoot technical issues related to laboratory instruments and data analysis software. Commitment to maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records.
Preferred Qualifications	Five (5) years of research experience in neuroscience, metabolism, or a closely related area. Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research projects. Experience with neurophysiological techniques (e.g., brain slice patch clamp recordings and calcium imaging). Experience in programming and data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R, or ImageJ). Strong scientific writing skills, with a track record of published research. Must have at least two first author publications in peer reviewed journals. Prior experience in mentoring students and junior researchers.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Physical Demands: Must be comfortable working in a research laboratory environment. May require lifting laboratory equipment and supplies (up to 25 lbs.). Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or walking during experimental procedures. Frequent computer use for data analysis, documentation, and research writing. May need to travel within campus for meetings, training sessions, or collaborative projects. Work Environment: Research laboratory and office setting, moderate noise levels. Must pass employee health clearance, TB test, and required safety training. Must adhere to safety protocols and procedures when handling laboratory animals, chemicals, and equipment. Occasional participation in scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars may be required.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0746
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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