Staff Scientist - Oncology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & holidays

Health insurance

Metro U-Pass

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis in Saint Louis, MO, invites applications for a Staff Scientist in the DiPersio lab.

The role focuses on translational cell therapy, advancing immunotherapies from discovery to IND-enabling studies and clinical translation, working at the interface of bench and clinic. You will design and execute wet and dry‑lab experiments, generate engineered immune cells, analyze data, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Laboratory Operations experience (3 years) preferred.
• Experience with translational immunotherapy and preclinical work is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex analysis/research per protocols and documents methods.
• Generates and manages data, monitors quality and files for projects.
• May perform preliminary statistical analyses of data.
• Ensures safety, maintains documentation of lab and specimen conditions.
• Maintains and cleans lab conditions/equipment per procedures.
• Trains and develops technicians, acting as a group leader.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical Problem Solving

Cancer Biology

Cell Cultures

Communication

Computer Literacy

Data Analysis

Data Interpretations

Flow Cytometry

Genomics

Molecular Biology

Mouse Handling

Protein Biochemistry

Subcutaneous Injections

Education

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Job description

Position Summary

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

A Staff Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. John DiPersio, with direct reporting to Dr. Jerry Xiang. This position is part of a translational cell therapy program focused on advancing next-generation immunotherapies from discovery through IND-enabling studies and clinical translation. The successful candidate will work at the interface of discovery and translation, contributing to projects involving CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited CAR-T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies. Ongoing efforts are directed toward IND-enabling studies, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in developing cell therapies from bench to clinic.

The Staff Scientist will assist in developing and supporting the design and execution of wet‑and dry‑lab experiments, including the generation and functional evaluation of engineered immune cells in preclinical mouse models. This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to projects with direct clinical impact. Our group is highly collaborative and offers a supportive, well‑resourced setting with strong opportunities for professional growth.

Job Description

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.
• 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.

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

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

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, Cancer Biology, Cell Cultures, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Flow Cytometry, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Mouse Handling, Protein Biochemistry, Subcutaneous Injections

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.