Research Associate Wpic (Part Time) | Western Psychiatric Hospital

Dr. Fish's lab works with cognitive deficits in individuals with schizophrenia and related diagnoses reflect altered GABA neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex. The studies in this laboratory are geared at advancing our understanding of the disease process of schizophrenia by 1) identifying the affected GABA neurons using a novel, rigorous definition of GABA neuron subtypes, 2) informing on potential upstream signaling mechanisms that give rise to lower GAD67 expression specifically in these neurons and cell type-specific responses to this alteration, and 3) assessing dendritic spine densities across brain regions and cortical layers in schizophrenia and potential mechanisms for differences that are identified. Findings will provide both new insights into potential cell type-specific therapeutic targets and the foundation for future tests of mechanistic relationships in model systems. The part time Research Associates will be assisting within this lab.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with postmortem human brain tissue processing for quantitative fluorescence microscopy and multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments.

• Image tissue slides using different modalities.

• Maintain accurate documentation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required preferably in Psychology or related field.

• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.

• Prior related work experience in a research setting preferred.

• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran