Research Technician II (Time-Limited) - Infectious Diseases

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diamond Laboratory at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is seeking a time-limited Research Technician for up to one year to study the impact of long-COVID on the brain.

The role involves working with human tissue, applying microscopy and single-cell transcriptomics, and assisting with daily experiments under investigators’ guidance. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and will contribute to data collection, documentation, and manuscript

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.
• Must be able to work with human tissue specimens and perform microscopy/imaging tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research studies, experiments and data collection.
• Perform immunofluorescent microscopy staining on brain specimens.
• Image tissue using widefield, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy.
• Process tissue for single-cell RNA sequencing analyses.
• Assist with analysis of imaging and transcriptomic datasets.
• Contribute to manuscript and grant progress reporting through data analysis and methods description.
• Troubleshoot and optimize microscopy protocols to improve data quality.
• Maintain safety procedures and documentation for lab and specimen conditions.
• Maintain lab equipment and perform general cleaning and maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory Research

Laboratory Instrumentation

Communication

Detailed Reports

Working Independently

Software Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Immunofluorescent microscopy

RNA sequencing

Confocal microscopy

Single-cell RNA-seq

Job description

Position Summary

The Diamond Laboratory at WashU Medicine is looking to hire a time-limited Research Technician for up to one year (with the possibility of an extension) as part of recent NIH award to study the impact of long-COVID on the brain. As part of this role, the researcher will work with human tissue specimens to analyze the impact of long-COVID on central nervous system immune responses using a combination of microscopy and single-cell transcriptomic techniques. The technician will also investigate if any aspect of brain immunity in long-COVID patients correlates with symptoms or neuronal damage in key brain regions. We are looking to hire a motivated individual who will assist with the daily experimental work for this project with guidance from our investigators. This position provides an excellent opportunity for any individuals looking to gain additional laboratory experience working with human tissue, advanced microscopy techniques, and RNA-sequencing analyses. Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

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.
• Performs immunofluorescent microscopy staining on brain and meningeal dural human specimens.
• Images tissue using a combination of widefield, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy techniques.
• Processes tissue for single-cell RNA sequencing analyses.
• Assists with analysis of imaging and transcriptomic datasets.
• Contributes to manuscript preparation and grant progress report preparation through data analysis and presentation, methods description, and more.
• Troubleshoots and optimizes technical issues with microscopy protocols (or other processes) to enhance data quality and rigor.
• 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:

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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.