Research Technician II - Rheumatology

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 48,483,000 - 75,761,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick time

Health insurance

Transit U-Pass

Retirement plan (403b)

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Research Technician to join the Zhao Lab in Saint Louis, MO.

The position involves assisting with studies of host-microbiome interactions and inflammatory diseases, maintaining records, and developing hands-on research skills in a collaborative setting. The ideal candidate has up to one year of lab experience, can work in a team, and will follow safety procedures while contributing to ongoing projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• No specific work experience is required for this position.
• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

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.

Skills

Communication

Detailed Reports

Laboratory Instrumentation

Laboratory Research

Software Program

Working Independently

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Zhao Lab at WashU Medicine studies how interactions among hosts, commensal microorganisms, and pathogens influence the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We are particularly interested in understanding how environmental cues and the tissue microenvironment shape inflammatory responses.

We are seeking a motivated Research Technician to join our team and contribute to ongoing studies in these areas. We value scientific rigor, curiosity, attention to detail, and teamwork, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people at every career stage can learn and grow.

The technician will assist with laboratory duties, maintain accurate records, and work closely with lab members to advance ongoing research projects while developing hands‑on research skills in a collaborative environment.

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

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.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Required Certifications / Professional Licenses

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Additional Certifications / Professional Licenses

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Required Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Additional Work Experience

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills

Not Applicable

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

Driver's License

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

More About This Job

The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

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

• 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.