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 will serve as liaison with ACMEO, where the 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, the RA 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. There will be some travel between the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office in the Strip District and the BST in Oakland. The frequency of travel varies based on weekly schedules but generally occurs 2–3 days per week.

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.