Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

This opportunity is with the Dougherty Lab of the Departments of Genetics and Psychiatry. We are a lab that utilizes models and human genetics studies to investigate the genetic contribution to psychiatric disorders, especially autism. We are hiring now for a technician interested in molecular neuroscience to help with basic mechanisms of translation regulation in the brain, most notably in glial cells, and how they may go awry in disease.

We are looking for motivated, independent, organized and collegial individuals. The position will primarily entail standard molecular biology (PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, etc.), some cell culture, and advanced molecular methods such as TRAP, sequencing library preparation for Illumina, and massively parallel reporter assays. Other major areas of effort will include preparing specimens for neuroanatomical studies by perfusion and sectioning on cryostat, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent studies to study localization of RNA in new proteins, typically using confocal microscopy and subsequent imaging and statistical analysis.

Job Description

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.

• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.

• Prepares specimens for neuroanatomical studies by perfusion and sectioning on cryostat, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent studies to study localization of RNA in new proteins, typically using confocal microscopy and subsequent imaging and statistical analysis.  

• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.

• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.

• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.

• Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. 
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelorâ™s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with standard molecular biology approaches (e.g., PCR, RT-PCR, RNA purification, immunoblotting).
• Experience with anatomical approaches including perfusion, cryosection, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and image analysis (ImageJ).
• Familiarity with neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and glia.
• Familiarity with genetics and genomics.
• Familiarity with coding and statistical analysis of data. Lab uses R, Python, SPSS, and PRISM most often. 

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Brain Dissection, Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy, Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH), Immunofluorescence, Perfusion, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Prisms, Python (Programming Language), R Analytics, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR), RNA Polymerases, SPSS Analytics

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$16.92 - $26.44 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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