Sr. Research Investigator

Sanofi-Synthelabo and Aventis Pharmaceuticals, part of the sanofi-aventis Group are facing the future and leading the way as the 3rd largest pharmaceutical company in the world and number 1 in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven therapeutic areas: cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, oncology, diabetes, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines.Embrace this opportunity to join a diverse and talented group of individuals championed to take on innovation and change in our rapidly expanding organization.Establish in vivo rodent models to assess therapeutic potential of sanofi-aventis compounds in schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric indications. Be a thought leader within CNS for pre-clinical aspects of psychiatric disorders and principles of psychopharmacology. Oversee existing rodent models and establish new models, with a particular focus on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Monitor work of associates in in vivo models, oversee data analysis, project work flows and feedback to project teams. Lead a project team, be a team member for other projects, contribute to new target selections.Duties/Responsibilities
1. Establish and validate rodent models predictive of clinical activity in schizophrenia, anxiety or depression.
2. Test sanolfi-aventis compounds in rodent behavioral models.
3. Lead a psychiatric program team and serve as a member of other program teams.
4. Train associates to perform rodent behavioral models and to evaluate activity of compounds in these models; supervise this work as well as work on some existing models.
5. Manage 2-3 associates within psychopharmacology, coordinate activities and share data with other members of psychpopharmacology in BRW and BX.
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge/Skills
Expertise and extensive hands on experience in rodent models for working memory, attention and schizophrenia. Knowledgable in schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders. Solid understanding of statistical analysis for small animal behavioral experiments. Required skills include multi-tasking, experimental design, assay validation, good communication, people skills.Formal Education/Experience
PhD in pharmacology, psychology or behavioral neuroscience. Post-doctoral experience in CNS and 3-6 years industrial or academic experience.