Research Technician II - Molecular Microbiology

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and holidays

Health insurance

Metro U-Pass

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a laboratory technician for the Kanjee lab in Saint Louis, MO. The role supports malaria parasite research, including cell culture, CRISPR knockouts/knockdowns, and host receptor studies in RBCs.

The candidate will assist with cloning, culture of erythroid cells and parasites, and validation via flow cytometry and Western blot, with emphasis on data collection and careful record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Experience in a laboratory setting preferred.
• Ability to work in a BSL2 environment with RNA/protein work is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job description

Position Summary

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Kanjee lab studies how malaria parasites infect human red blood cells (RBCs). We are interested in identifying host receptors required by the parasite during RBC invasion, with a specific focus on the understudied parasite Plasmodium vivax. We use red blood cell genetics approaches (CRISPR/Cas9 knockout/knockdown & gene complementation) to understand the functional mechanisms of candidate host receptors during parasite invasion.

This position in the Kanjee lab will assist with experiments involving general molecular cloning, designing CRISPR/Cas9 knockout, knockdown and host receptor gene complementation constructs, in vitro culturing of primary and immortalized erythroid cells, culturing of malaria parasites, validation of host RBC genetic knockouts/knockdowns/complementation via flow cytometry and Western blot. These experiments will involve: collection of data, preparation of cultures, media and set-up and maintenance of equipment.

Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• The individual 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

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

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

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Prior experience with in vitro cell culture in BSL2 work environment is an asset.
• Prior experience with mammalian genetics approaches and molecular cloning is an asset.
• Prior experience with parasite culture is an asset.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets and statistical analyses.
• Excellent record keeping, organizational skills, and ability to interact with others.

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

Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Software Program, Working Independently

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$16.92 - $26.44 / 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