Research Intern

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Center for Drug Discovery at RTI International in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina is seeking a full-time Research Intern to conduct studies supporting research in a neuropsychopharmacology laboratory focused on neural mechanisms underlying reward, stress, and pain. The successful candidate will conduct a program of nonclinical and preclinical neuropsychopharmacology research and ideally will have significant prior experience with experimental skills necessary for manipulating and monitoring neural activity in behaving rodents.

The goal of this project is to determine the contribution of neuronal mitochondria to substance use disorders. We will use a variety of pharmacological tools in combination with viral and genetic approaches for manipulating and monitoring neural activity in behaving mice.

Responsibilities

• Assist with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies in rodent brain tissue.
• Analyze data and create graphs.
• Present and interpret data and journal articles in lab meeting.
• Assist with rodent behavioral studies.

Internship Learning Objectives

• Design IHC/ISH experiments.
• Develop strategies for interpreting literature and broader experimental outcomes.
• Develop oral presentation and science communication skills.
• Identify and assess career paths in neuroscience.

Required Qualifications

Recent degree recipient (within the past calendar year) AND/OR currently enrolled (advanced) undergraduate or graduate student, who studied or is studying one of the following fields: Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, Chemistry. Demonstrated knowledge of or familiarity with quantitative research methodologies. Demonstrated leadership and time management skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior lab and/or animal laboratory experience
• Statistical analysis experience or coursework
• Experience with computational approaches to data analysis
• Demonstrated interest in scientific careers
• Experience with reading scientific literature

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.