Job Abstract

The Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at the George Washington University is an active research department, with federally funded programs in neuroscience and development, cardiovascular pharmacology and integrative physiology, genomics and oncology. We provide unique training opportunities in biomedical research at the pre and postdoctoral level. We offer courses in Pharmacology and Physiology for Medical and Physician Assistant students, as well as several courses at the graduate level through the GW Institute for Biomedical Sciences. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of educational opportunities to our
community, and to advance scientific knowledge and improve human health through cutting-edge research in the biomedical sciences. Additional information on the Pharmacology & Physiology department can be found at the following link: http://smhs.gwu.edu/pharmacology-physiology/

The Mendelowitz lab s focused on how the autonomic nervous system, and particularly specific populations of neurons in the brainstem, control heart rate, and other essential cardiorespiratory functions. In addition to understanding the role of these neurons in normal physiology, we also seek to determine how these neurons and pathways are altered to initiate and/or sustain cardiorespiratory diseases, particularly in the prevalent cardiovascular diseases obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure. Our goal is to identify novel targets of opportunity for treating these diseases.

This research support position contributes to research/development by assisting with experiments in a controlled laboratory setting. The core responsibilities of this position include assisting with data collection and administration of experimental procedures, and assisting with administrative aspects of preparing manuscripts for publication. This position may perform some lab maintenance duties as a secondary function. This role typically works under immediate supervision, and the primary job functions do not require exercising independent judgment.

The Research Assistant will be involved in conducting experiments to understand the cardiorespiratory network in the brainstem, and how this network function is altered in diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure.

Additional duties include:
• Aseptic surgical techniques
• Animal breeding, genotyping and husbandry
• Solution preparation
• Surgical procedures for microinjection of viruses into targeted CNS nuclei.
• Enhances professional knowledge and skills by attending seminars/workshops and reviewing published literature.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

-Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to prioritize multiple tasks and demands.
-Strong communication and excellent organizational, customer service and interpersonal skills are essential.
-Ability to work independently, learn actively, and function at a fast pace is a key to success in this position.

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status