Research Associate – Alcohol & Drug Addiction Studies

About the role

The Anderson Lab at LSU Veterinary Medicine seeks a motivated Research Associate to support investigations into alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder. This full‑time position combines behavioral testing with molecular assays to advance understanding of addiction mechanisms.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and care for mice and/or rats, conducting behavioral tests such as self‑administration of drugs, sucrose pellets, and anxiety assessments.
• Perform survival surgeries, administer pharmacological compounds, and measure alcohol consumption models.
• Execute wet‑lab techniques including dissections, tissue preparation, western blotting, qPCR, and PCR.
• Collect, enter, and analyze experimental data using Excel; present findings in regular meetings with Dr. Ethan Anderson.
• Maintain laboratory records and adhere to safety and animal welfare protocols.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field (Biomedical Sciences preferred).
• Strong work ethic, analytical mindset, and ability to work independently.
• Comfortable handling rodents and following scientific methodologies.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Required skills

• Animal behavior testing
• Animal husbandry
• Survival surgeries
• Dissection and tissue collection
• Western blotting
• qPCR
• PCR
• Excel for data entry and analysis

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge addiction research.
• Hands‑on experience with both behavioral and molecular techniques.
• Collaborative academic environment within LSU’s Veterinary Medicine department.