Staff Scientist - Engineering

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 22 days vacation

Health insurance

Metro transit U‑Pass

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking an experienced researcher to conduct interdisciplinary studies in microbial ecology, biomanufacturing, and environmental biotechnology.

The role emphasizes understanding microbial mechanisms in growth, biodegradation, and carbon metabolism using microbiome, metabolomics, modeling, and related analytical approaches. The position involves designing experiments, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and mentoring students, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• PhD preferred for advanced qualifications and research independence.
• Laboratory Operations experience (3 years) is expected.

Responsibilities

• Designs, plans, and conducts laboratory experiments related to microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology, and carbon metabolism.
• Collects, processes, and analyzes experimental data using microbiome, metabolomics, molecular biology, and statistical or bioinformatics approaches.
• Prepares manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication and contributes to proposals and grants.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students, interns, and other personnel in lab safety and procedures.
• Collaborates with faculty and external partners and communicates progress at meetings.

Skills

Microbial ecology

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Scientific writing

Mentoring

Oral/written communication

Education

PhD in Biological and Ecological Science

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

LC-MS

GC-MS

Bioreactors

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63130

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Conducts interdisciplinary research on microbial ecology, biomanufacturing, and environmental biotechnology, with a focus on understanding microbial mechanisms involved in cell growth, biodegradation, substrate utilizations, and carbon metabolism using microbiome, metabolomics, metabolic modeling, and related analytical approaches. Generates high-quality research outcomes, including experimental data, peer-reviewed publications, grant proposals, and new insights that support the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions to environmental challenges.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designs, plans, and conducts laboratory experiments related to microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology, cell growth optimizations, substrate biodegradation, and microbial carbon metabolism.
• Collects, processes, and analyzes experimental data using microbiome, metabolomics, molecular biology, and statistical or bioinformatics approaches.
• Prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and contributes to research proposals, grant applications, and other scholarly materials.
• Interprets research findings, maintains accurate research records, and prepares figures, tables, technical summaries, and progress reports.
• Reviews scientific literature, develops research hypotheses and protocols, and identifies new research directions relevant to project objectives.
• Trains and mentors undergraduate and graduate students, interns, and other research personnel in laboratory safety, experimental procedures, instrumentation, data collection, data analysis, and research documentation.
• Collaborates with faculty, laboratory members, students, and external research partners; participates in project meetings and communicates research progress and findings.
• Performs other duties as assigned (such as teaching and course development).

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

Education:

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 Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver’s License:

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

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Biological and Ecological Science.
• Strong knowledge of microbial ecology, microbial cultivations, environmental biotechnology, molecular biology, and microbial metabolism.
• Experience designing, conducting, troubleshooting, and documenting laboratory experiments.
• Proficiency in microbiome, metabolomics, and related analytical methods, including data processing, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Ability to manage laboratory operations, LC-MS and GC-MS, bioreactors, supplies, sample inventories, research records, and safety procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, interns, and other research personnel.
• Strong scientific writing skills, including preparation of manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, research protocols, and grant proposals.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with interdisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

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:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually

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.