Staff Scientist II

Saint Louis University; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Louis University is recruiting a Staff Scientist II to lead neuroscience research programs, including in vivo and in vitro work, model development, and data generation for grants and publications.

The role emphasizes training of undergraduates, graduates, postdocs, and junior faculty, with a focus on rigorous scientific methods and collaboration with industry partners to enhance translational impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• >20 years of hands-on experience in rodent neuroscience research and inflammation.
• Extensive experience with biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience conducting PK/PD studies.
• Ability to independently design and execute complex experiments.
• Proven track record of mentoring across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and oversee complex in vivo rodent studies in neuroscience.
• Independently design and implement new experimental approaches and disease models.
• Provide comprehensive training and supervision to students and early-career researchers.
• Support grant submissions with data generation and analysis.
• Collaborate with industry partners to advance translational research.
• Perform tissue processing, biochemical analyses, and molecular assays.
• Manage data, maintain records, and prepare results for publications.
• Oversee laboratory operations and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Rodent research

Biochemical & molecular biology

PK/PD studies

Experimental design

Mentoring/training

Pharmacology knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Laboratory safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Spectrophotometers

Chromatography systems

Centrifuges

Incubators

Microscopes

qRT-PCR

Immunoblotting

Job description

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction, the Staff Scientist II serves as a senior scientific leader responsible for the design, execution, and oversight of complex in vivo and in vitro neuroscience research. This role supports multiple funded and pending research projects, contributes to the development of new experimental models, and plays a critical role in generating data for grant applications and publications.

The position is essential for maintaining laboratory operations, ensuring scientific rigor, and providing advanced training and mentorship to trainees at all levels, including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior investigators. The Staff Scientist II integrates research activities with the educational mission of the University by fostering a high-quality, hands-on training environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities are listed in order of priority:

1. Advanced In Vivo Research & Model Development

Conduct and oversee complex in vivo rodent studies in neuroscience, including maintenance of genetically engineered mouse colonies, behavioral testing, tissue dissection, and implementation of disease models. Perform procedures ranging from compound dosing and injections to advanced surgical interventions, including anesthesia and euthanasia support.

2. Experimental Design & Independent Research Leadership

Independently design, develop, and implement innovative experimental approaches and new disease models. Lead components of research programs, contributing to study design, troubleshooting, and optimization of methodologies to support high-impact publications and grant applications.

3. Training, Mentorship & Workforce Development

Provide comprehensive training and supervision to undergraduate students, graduate trainees, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. Ensure proper experimental techniques, data integrity, and adherence to laboratory protocols. Mentor trainees in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, directly supporting the integration of research and education.

4. Grant Support & Data Generation

Contribute to the generation of preliminary and ongoing data required for grant submissions, renewals, and progress reports. Support multiple concurrent projects to ensure timely completion of research milestones.

5. Industry Collaboration & Research Partnerships

Serve as a liaison with pharmaceutical and industry partners to establish and maintain research collaborations and contracts, enhancing translational impact and external funding opportunities.

6. Molecular & Biochemical Research Support

Perform and oversee advanced laboratory techniques including tissue processing, biochemical analyses, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and related methodologies. Ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and proper documentation of results.

7. Data Analysis, Management & Reporting

Compile, process, and analyze experimental data. Maintain detailed and accurate research records, manage datasets, and prepare findings for presentations, publications, and reports.

8. Laboratory Operations & Equipment Oversight

Ensure efficient laboratory operations, including management of workflows, coordination of experiments, and maintenance and operation of scientific equipment such as spectrophotometers, chromatography systems, centrifuges, incubators, and microscopes.

9. Compliance & Safety

Ensure adherence to institutional, regulatory, and safety guidelines related to animal research, laboratory procedures, and data management.

10. Additional Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive (>20 years) experience in rodent research in neuroscience and inflammation
• Extensive experience in biochemical and molecular biology techniques
• Extensive experience conducting PK/PD studies
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex experiments
• Proven track record of training and mentoring individuals across all levels, from students to junior faculty
• Strong knowledge of experimental design and pharmacology in a translational research setting
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Supervisory and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead in a collaborative environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving research priorities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or related field required; advanced degree preferred. Extensive hands-on laboratory experience and specialized knowledge in neuroscience research methodologies required.

Function

Scientists

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.