Research Specialist - Biochemistry

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a research professional to perform critically complex analyses and experiments to advance scientific discovery.

The role includes acting as a subject matter expert, providing training and guidance within the discipline, and potentially presenting research findings. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, and communicating results, developing experimental procedures, and offering high-level troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Work Experience: Laboratory Setting (4 Years).
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

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.
• Exhibits 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.
• Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical formats.

Education

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Accommodation

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.

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 or shared ancestry, 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.

As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Useful Links

Useful Links Who We Are Human Resources Benefits Living in St. Louis Frequently Asked Questions 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. Regulatory Postings Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Poster (English; Spanish)