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Addiction Neuroscience Research Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Addiction Neuroscience Research information

What is addiction neuroscience research?

Addiction neuroscience research is a scientific field focused on understanding how addictive substances or behaviors affect the brain and nervous system. Researchers study the biological, genetic, and environmental factors that contribute to addiction, aiming to uncover how drugs and addictive behaviors alter brain function. This research helps develop better treatments, prevention strategies, and policies to address substance use disorders. By exploring the brain's reward pathways and the impact of addiction at the molecular and cellular levels, scientists work to improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in addiction neuroscience research, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Addiction neuroscience research often involves complex experimental designs, sensitive data collection, and managing collaborations across multidisciplinary teams. New researchers may encounter challenges such as handling confidential information, working with animal or human subjects, and staying current with rapidly evolving scientific methods. To prepare, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with ethical research protocols, develop strong communication skills for team-based projects, and seek mentorship opportunities to build expertise in both laboratory techniques and data analysis. Regularly attending lab meetings and scientific seminars can also enhance your understanding of ongoing projects and foster professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction neuroscience researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Neuroscience Researcher, you need a strong background in neuroscience, experimental design, and statistical analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory techniques (such as electrophysiology, neuroimaging, or molecular biology), data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, MATLAB), and compliance with research ethics and regulatory certifications is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for generating reliable scientific findings, advancing understanding of addiction mechanisms, and successfully collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams.

What is the difference between Addiction Neuroscience Research vs Addiction Counselor?

AspectAddiction Neuroscience ResearchAddiction Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in neuroscience, psychology, or related fieldsCertification or license in addiction counseling or therapy
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesClinics, rehab centers, community health settings
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companiesHealthcare providers, rehab facilities, community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonResearch roles, scientific studies, lab workPatient support, therapy, treatment planning

While Addiction Neuroscience Researchers focus on studying the brain mechanisms underlying addiction through scientific research, Addiction Counselors work directly with individuals to provide support, therapy, and treatment. Both roles are vital in the addiction treatment continuum but differ in their focus, environment, and required credentials.

What job categories do people searching Addiction Neuroscience Research jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Neuroscience Research jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Addiction Neuroscience Research jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Addiction Neuroscience Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Neuroscience Research job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Social Worker-MSW LCSW

Indiana University Health

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Indiana University Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 466 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Position Title: Social Worker - MSW LCSW
Location: Riley Hospital
Shift: Rotating schedule, working every Tuesday and Wednesday, alternating between day shift (6:00 AM - 6:00 PM) and night shift (6:00 PM - 6:00 AM)
Type: Part-Time, Regular
Weekly Hours: 24
Position Overview: The Social Worker provides face-to-face support with patients and families, contributing to psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, discharge planning, and resource mobilization. This role involves serving as a resource and role model for students, interns, LBSWs, and LSWs, while collaborating with healthcare teams to develop individualized treatment plans addressing psychosocial needs. The Social Worker acts as a liaison for abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and protective services cases, ensuring safety and appropriate intervention.
This position emphasizes crisis management, including de-escalation techniques, and offers specialized mental health services such as crisis intervention, addiction assessments, and placement recommendations. The Social Worker supports patients in acute crises and ensures safe discharge and care transitions.
Key Responsibilities:
Meet face-to-face with patients and families, conducting psychosocial assessments and providing therapeutic interventions.
Assist in developing educational materials for team members, patients, and families.
Serve as a resource and role model for students, interns, LBSWs, and LSWs.
Collaborate with the clinical team to develop treatment plans that resolve psychosocial issues and meet patient needs.
Interpret and communicate complex patient and family needs while modeling caring practices.
Assess psychosocial risk factors, prior functioning, support systems, and coping abilities.
Counsel patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial impacts of illness/disability.
Access and mobilize community and family resources to meet patient needs.
Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral.
Facilitate complex discharge planning to ensure safe transitions to the next level of care.
Serve as a point person for abuse/neglect, domestic violence, and institutional abuse cases; coordinate with protective services.
Maintain principles and practices of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to manage acute crises and potentially dangerous situations.
Provide intervention in guardianship, foster care, adoption, and mental health placements.
Offer specialized mental health services, including crisis intervention, addiction assessments, and psychiatric referrals.
Support patients during end-of-life, guardianship, foster care, and adoption cases.
Utilize effective interviewing techniques with victims, perpetrators, families, and significant others.
Develop strong working relationships with hospital staff, law enforcement, APS/DCS, schools, probation, and other community agencies.
Document all clinical activities accurately in electronic medical records.
May be scheduled to work on-call and holiday rotations.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Master's Degree in Social Work required.
Permanent licensure as an LCSW in Indiana required.
Certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention or an equivalent de-escalation training required within 6 months of hire.
Knowledge of evidence-based psychosocial assessment, short-term therapeutic counseling, and crisis intervention for common mental health and substance use disorders.
Understanding of disease processes and human behavior as they relate to health and social needs.
Strong skills in complex discharge planning to promote safe patient transitions.
Knowledge of legal mandates for child and adult protective services at the state and county levels.
Familiarity with principles of growth and development across the lifespan, including end-of-life care.
Ability to identify decision makers and coordinate goals-of-care conversations to ensure optimal care and throughput.
Experience adapting services to geographically, culturally, and financially diverse populations.
Ability to develop and sustain strong relationships with hospital administrators, healthcare teams, law enforcement, community agencies, and schools.
Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation and general computer literacy.
Availability for on-call and holiday rotations.
About IU Health: IU Health is Indiana's largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, with nearly 40,000 team members, 16 hospitals, and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. Our programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, and transplants are nationally recognized. In partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Health combines research, education, and clinical excellence to improve health outcomes for Indiana communities.
Benefits Designed for You
About Us
  • Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we're home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
  • IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
  • A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine - one of the nation's largest medical schools - gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training - advancing healthcare for all.
  • With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
  • At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
  • Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation's healthiest states.

About the Team
Indiana University Health is Indiana's most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. We're looking for team members who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day.

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