Staff Scientist - Gastroenterology (Hepatology)

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time

Health insurance

Metro U-Pass transit benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, invites applications for a research scientist to join the Schwartz Laboratory in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, studying HBV biology and viral persistence with the aim of identifying strategies toward a functional cure.

The lab develops human infection models using stem cell-derived hepatocytes, primary human hepatocytes, CRISPR/Cas9, and HBV clones, contributing to impactful discoveries such as a nucleosome-level

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• No specific certification/professional license required for this position.
• Laboratory Operations (3 years)

Responsibilities

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Conducts literature searches related to research project.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical Problem Solving

Communication

Computer Literacy

Data Analysis

Data Interpretations

Education

Master’s degree

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Job description

Position Summary

The Schwartz Laboratory in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, at WashU Medicine in St. Louis is seeking motivated and creative scientists to join our interdisciplinary research program investigating the biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the mechanisms that allow the virus to establish and maintain chronic infection. Our long-term goal is to understand the complex interactions between HBV and its host that drive viral persistence and to use these insights to identify new strategies toward a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, which remains a major global health challenge and an important cause of liver related morbidity and mortality.

Our laboratory has a strong history of developing innovative human models of viral infection. We were among the first groups to establish hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection models using stem cell-derived hepatocytes, and we have continued to combine these systems with primary human hepatocytes, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and genetically distinct HBV clones to dissect the host and viral factors that determine infection and persistence. Recent work from the laboratory, published in Cell, identified a nucleosome-level molecular switch that primes and influences HBV infection (10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.033).

Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Conducts literature searches related to research project.
• 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

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

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Education

Preferred Qualifications

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.