Muscle Biology Research Assistant

Washington University in St. Louis; Narragansett (RI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick time

Health insurance

Metro transit U-Pass

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support a developmental biology research program focused on skeletal muscle function.

The role involves hands-on molecular biology work, tissue collection, and data management within a dynamic team. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, preparing reagents, maintaining records, and coordinating with collaborating institutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Laboratory Operations (2 Years) experience in a research setting.
• No specific certification/professional license required.
• Document research and lab processes are key skills for this role.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
• Performs molecular biology experiments, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, genotyping, cloning, Western blotting, and immunostaining.
• Assists with mouse colony management, tissue collection, and processing of biological samples.
• Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares buffers, reagents, and solutions and maintaining laboratory stocks.
• Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators.
• Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs literature research on specified topics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Document Research

Laboratory Processes

Scientific Research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Applications are no longer being accepted for this role. You can still review the details below or browse open jobs .

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Washington University in St. Louis

Research Assistant - Developmental Biology

Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States

Sep 17, 2026

$17 - $29/hour

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Our laboratory in the Department of Developmental Biology studies the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle function in health and disease, as well as the evolution of muscle properties across species. We combine mouse and cell culture models with a unique collection of muscle samples from diverse species, including black bears, cheetahs, and sloths. Using approaches in molecular and cellular biology, genomics, imaging, and muscle physiology, we aim to uncover mechanisms that can be used to develop new treatments for muscle diseases.

Assists with research study, experiments, preparation of material, and documentation.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
• Performs molecular biology experiments, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, genotyping, cloning, Western blotting, and immunostaining.
• Assists with mouse colony management, tissue collection, and processing of biological samples.
• Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares buffers, reagents, and solutions and maintaining laboratory stocks.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators.
• Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs literature research on specified topics.
• 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:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications** /Professional Licenses **:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (2 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications** /Professional Licenses **:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Document Research, Laboratory Processes, Scientific Research

Grade

R07-H

Salary Range

$17.10 - $29.09 / 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.

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] 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 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? We’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.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.