Research Assistant: Stem Cell Immunology & Mouse Models

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,556 - 40,074; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis seeks a Research Assistant for the Persaud lab in the Department of Pathology & Immunology.

The role supports preclinical studies on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and autologous gene therapies, with emphasis on non-malignant disorders. You will work directly with the PI and lab members to manage the lab, perform experiments (cell culture, flow cytometry, gene editing), analyze data, and help develop new projects while adhering to safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 2 years of laboratory operations experience.
• Experience with mouse handling and procedures desirable.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments and assays, including cell culture, flow cytometry, and mouse transplant models.
• Evaluate results, report findings to staff.
• Coordinate tissue cultures, reagents, and probe tests.
• Assist with lab maintenance and supply orders.
• Perform literature research on specified topics.
• Ensure safety procedures and maintain documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Flow cytometry

CRISPR-Cas9

Job description

Position Summary

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Persaud lab in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at WashU Medicine has an opening for a Research Assistant. Established in 2025, the lab conducts preclinical (basic science and translational) studies into optimizing the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic diseases, with emphasis on definitive therapies for non-malignant disorders. Using both fully murine and humanized mouse models, the lab seeks to integrate minimally toxic, antibody-based transplant conditioning with novel stem cell mobilization regimens to optimize autologous gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Projects to understand how antibody-based conditioning regimens impact the biology of the transplant recipient compared to conventional conditioning regimens are also of great interest to the group. The successful candidate will work directly with the PI and other lab members to manage the laboratory and assist in the development of new and existing research projects in these exciting areas. Candidates will have an opportunity to contribute to multiple projects but will be strongly encouraged and supported, as their comfort level and experience in the lab grows, to gradually take ownership of their own project that aligns with their interests and the lab’s needs.

As the inaugural members of the Persaud lab, candidates will play an important role in shaping the culture and mission of the lab. Central to that mission is supporting the career development of researchers in all roles and career stages; as such, the lab endeavors to provide a supportive, convivial, people-first environment for all who join. Candidates will have opportunities to contribute to a variety of projects, receive mentorship from the PI and senior researchers in the lab, attend and present at local and international meetings, and interact with collaborators in the WashU Department of Pathology & Immunology and the Division of Oncology in the Department of Medicine.

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

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts research experiments and assays. Experiments may include cell culture, molecular biology (including gene editing), antibody production and engineering, flow cytometry, mouse hematopoietic stem cell transplant models and in vivo stem cell mobilization.
• 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.

Education:

Required Qualifications

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:

More About This Job

• Experience with mouse handling and procedures is highly desirable.
• Experience in stem cell biology, hematology and/or immunology.
• Experience with flow cytometry and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation.
  
  

Education:

Preferred Qualifications

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:

Animal Restraints, Blood Sampling, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Document Research, Flow Cytometry, Genome Editing, Hematology, Immunology, Laboratory Processes, Mouse Handling, Scientific Research, Stem Cell Biology, Verbal Communications, Written Communication

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/

EEO Statement

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.