Research Assistant - Neurosurgery

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; 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, working on brain networks in development and pathology using advanced MRI techniques such as fMRI for functional connectivity.

The ideal candidate will have experience coordinating research projects, organizing data, pre-processing fMRI imaging, and supporting lab members. Linux and Python for analysis are required, with strong interpersonal skills for pediatric populations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
• Work in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to hazards.

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.

Skills

Document Research

Laboratory Processes

Scientific Research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

Scheduled Hours

40

Job Description

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.

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.

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.

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.

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