Senior Research Technician - Molecular Microbiology

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Metro U-Pass transit

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a laboratory technician to support malaria parasite research focusing on host receptors and RBC invasion. You will perform complex experiments, manage data files, and help prepare cultures and reagents in a BSL2 lab.

The role involves statistical review, safety documentation, and mentoring junior technicians. Requires a Master’s degree or equivalent with prior lab experience; no specific licensing required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or combination of education/experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Laboratory setting experience is preferred.
• Familiar with data entry and basic statistical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex analysis/projects according to research protocols.
• Enters data and maintains current data files with quality control.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, and probes as needed.
• May perform preliminary statistical analysis of data.
• Ensures compliance with safety procedures and documentation.
• Assists in training and development of technicians as needed.

Skills

Communication

Laboratory Instrumentation

Recordkeeping

Software Program

Working Independently

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

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.

Performs independently complex research studies, experiments and assays.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs complex analysis/projects according to research protocols, explaining methods and procedures to other technicians.
• Enters data and maintains current data files on research projects. Monitors data to ensure consistent quality.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc
• May perform preliminary statistical analysis of data.
• Assures compliance 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 in the training and development of technicians, acting as a group leader.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

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 (1 Year)

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

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

More About This Job

• 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

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

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, Laboratory Instrumentation, Recordkeeping, Software Program, Working Independently

Grade

R08-H

Salary Range

$18.77 - $31.94 / 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.