Research Assistant - Neurosurgery

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

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Roland Lab studying brain networks in development and pathology.

The role involves handling MRI data, functional connectivity analysis, and collaboration with pediatric patients undergoing clinical care. The ideal candidate has experience managing research projects, data organization, pre-processing fMRI, and strong Linux/Python skills, with knowledge of brain imaging analysis being highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing research projects and organizing data.
• Proficiency in Linux and Python for data analysis.
• Experience with brain imaging analysis is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
• Evaluates results and discusses outcomes with staff.
• Performs data entry and maintains research data files.
• Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, and probe tests.
• Adheres to safety procedures and maintains documentation.
• Coordinates research with other institutions and investigators.
• Helps develop hypotheses and testing methods.
• Assists with orders, lab maintenance, and cleaning.
• Performs literature research on specified topics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Python scripting

Linux

fMRI analysis

Data management

Research project oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Python

Linux

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Roland Lab is looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join our study of brain networks in development and pathological conditions. Our work primarily uses advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, such as functional MRI (fMRI) for studying the brain through functional connectivity and other metrics of normal and abnormal function. We utilize a range of advanced imaging methods from volumetric analysis of anatomic imaging to functional connectivity (FC) with resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). We work with a range of pediatric patients who have medical conditions such as Chiari Malformaiton Type 1 (CM1), medically refractory epilepsy, and cerebral palsy (CP) that volunteer for research participation before or after surgical intervention as well as alongside routine clinical monitoring care.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive goal directed individual with experience managing research projects, data organization, pre-processing fMRI imaging, as well as providing oversight and assistance to other lab members' efforts. Experience with a Linux computer environment and Python scripting for analysis is critical. Knowledge of brain imaging computational analysis is also highly preferred.

Working with pediatric and clinical patient populations requires a special individual with excellent interpersonal skills due to the delicate nature of performing basic and translational research alongside clinical care.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
• Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• 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.

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

Preferred Qualifications

More About This Job

• Experience with brain functional MRI imaging research analysis is highly preferred.

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.

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 [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

• 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.

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

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.