Research Technician II - Psychiatry

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,419 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and holidays

Transit subsidy (Metro U‑Pass)

Retirement plan (403(b))

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a lab assistant to manage human biological samples for clinical studies, including biobank intake, storage, and downstream processing.

The role emphasizes meticulous documentation, LIMS data entry, and careful sample tracking using digital barcodes. The candidate will perform pipetting, QC using Nanodrop, BCA, Qubit, Picogreen, and assist with seminars and data presentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience.
• Up to one year of lab experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Excel formulas and a clinical LIMS.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research studies, experiments, and assays; collect data and prepare solutions.
• Handle sample intake, data entry, storage, QC, and extraction from samples.
• Diligent note‑booking, use of Excel, and LIMS to track sample status.
• Retrieve samples from biobank and process for analyses.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed and documentation maintained.
• Maintain lab conditions and assist with general lab upkeep.

Skills

Pipetting

Data entry

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary

This position will involve handling and record keeping of human biological samples from clinical studies, into and out of a biobank, to downstream analyses. Samples are tracked digitally with a digital barcode system and a laboratory information management system (LIMS). Long‑and short‑term projects will include sample retrieval from the biobank and processing for downstream applications/analyses. The position assists with sample QC and meticulous documentation, sample records in the LIMS database, and sample intake from internal and external clinical teams. Skilled pipetting with micro‑pipettors is highly important. Wet lab QC methods will be routine (Nanodrop, BCA assay, Qubit, Picogreen).

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

Scheduled Hours

40

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.
• Sample intake from local and external clinics, sample data entry, sample storage (physical and LIMS), sample quality control techniques and instrumentation use, and extraction of tissues, cells, and/or molecules from samples.
• Diligent note‑booking, use of Microsoft Excel, and use of the LIMS system to track and maintain sample status.
• Retrieves samples from the biobank and processes for downstream applications/analyses.
• 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.
• Attends scientific seminars as well as assists with scientific review and presentation.
• 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.

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel formulas and a clinical LIMS.

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$16.92 - $26.44 / Hourly

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.