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 Associate WPIC will serve as liaison with Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner (ACMEO), where this 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 assist with brain tissue processing, retrieval, distribution, and documentation, as well as assist with freezer organization, perform data entry and participate in translational neuroscience research projects as a critical liaison with ACMEO, this individual is 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.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented individual who is interested in research in Psychology, Psychiatry and Research in brain disorders who is looking for an opportunity to work with a team of talented individuals.

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.