Research Specialist - Biochemistry

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis in St. Louis, MO seeks a highly qualified research professional to provide complex analyses and experimental support for departmental projects.

The role involves leading and training others, presenting findings, and ensuring adherence to protocols in a lab setting. Responsibilities include developing research results for publication, performing data analyses, and expanding techniques in quantitative biology.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Laboratory setting experience (4 years).
• Preferred qualifications include molecular biology and biochemical techniques; mammalian cell culture is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI.
• Represents the PI and ensures procedures and protocols are followed to meet departmental standards.
• Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results; may present on behalf of the department.
• Writes or co-authors publications and papers supporting research findings.
• Develops and optimizes experimental procedures and protocols; provides high-level troubleshooting.
• Gathers and analyzes data; presents research information to internal or external audiences.
• Maintains documentation on lab and specimen conditions; communicates findings to users.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Detail-Oriented

Laboratory Instrumentation

Laboratory Research

Oral Communications

Recordkeeping

Self-Starter

Software Program

Spreadsheets

Statistical Software

Written Communication

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.

Will support cell-based microscopy experiments. Depending on experience and interest, opportunities will be available to learn additional techniques in quantitative microscopy, RNA biology, and chemical biology.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.

Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.

Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/ procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.

Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.

Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.

Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.

May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.

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:

Master'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 Setting (4 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including cloning, PCR, nucleic acid purification, in vitro transcription, gel electrophoresis, and related assays.

Experience with mammalian cell culture is desirable.

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:

Critical Thinking, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Oral Communications, Recordkeeping, Self-Starter, Software Program, Spreadsheets, Statistical Software, Written Communication

Grade

R09

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

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 req