Research Scientist 1

Overview

Duties Description POSITION DESCRIPTION: The New York State Institute for Basic Research (IBR), the research arm of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a full-time Research Scientist I position in our Laboratory Animal Care Facility (LARC). IBR is a basic science research institute that uses rodent models of aging, brain trauma, genetics, and autism. The selected candidate will provide high-quality animal care to our animal partners and maintain the facilities to ensure continual compliance with applicable animal welfare standards. The LARC team fully supports the LARC animal veterinary program by providing veterinary care and technical assistance. The position is based in a world-renowned research facility located on Staten Island, NY, with opportunities for a weekend/holiday schedule as needed.

The compensation package includes NYSHIP health insurance, vacation and sick leave, pension fund vesting, and a deferred compensation plan. Some benefits are provided through the NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF) union, including tuition reimbursement and dental and optical coverage.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care for all species used in research under the supervision of the Attending Veterinarian. Conduct first-line evaluation of clinical cases and initiate diagnostics and treatments; monitor treatments and progress.
• Engage in colony health surveillance and follow SOPs for animal facilities; provide basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals.
• Assist with development, review, and maintenance of SOPs, clinical guidelines, and policies to ensure accuracy, compliance, and suitability for clinical use.
• Administer the colony health monitoring program.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of clinical equipment and supplies.
• Assist in receiving and exporting animal shipments.
• Assist LARC staff with autoclaving cage supplies.
• Assist with euthanasia procedures in accordance with AVMA guidelines.
• Keep appropriate records for animal housing and study support (such as rodent breeding).
• Perform transgenic breeding colony management, including but not limited to weaning, identification (tag, tattoo, ear punching) and tail tipping for genotyping, setting up matings, timed matings, and checking for copulatory plugs; monitor breeding performance and troubleshoot rodent strains with breeding difficulties.
• Communicate effectively with investigators and LARC staff about colony management, inventory, animal breeding, and research needs via text, email, and verbally.
• Provide administrative and operational support for the environmental enrichment program.
• Support training initiatives and participate in post-approval monitoring where required.

Physical Qualifications

• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform moderate manual labor.
• Direct exposure to animals and potential allergens.
• Ability to use large pieces of equipment and work with potentially hazardous materials, including biological and chemical materials; use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or LATg with one year of related experience.
• Working knowledge of regulations related to the use of animals in research.
• Experience in the clinical assessment and care of rodents.
• Willingness to work with other LARC team members to achieve husbandry goals.
• Ability to use basic computer programs and perform data entry using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Notes

Additional Preferred Qualifications: AALAS certification, experience in a rodent laboratory, rodent breeding schemes, and providing hands-on clinical care to a variety of lab animal species; interest in IACUC participation; interest in hands-on training and refinement; bilingual abilities may be helpful (English/Mandarin/Spanish).

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional research experience in an appropriate field.

Starting salary reflects the Downstate adjustment. Posted Hiring Salary includes the statutory hiring rate for PS&T Grade 18 and Downstate adjustment. The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any applicable Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding posting of vacancies. Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. All OPWDD employees must be eligible for full participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment depends on maintaining eligibility. PSLF information and links are available for those eligible. Employees on long-term leave may bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen days and perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. For information about reasonable accommodations, contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit.

Other benefits may include savi