Scheduled Hours

Position Summary

The Inoue Laboratory at the Biophotonics Research Center, WashU in St. Louis, is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to support interdisciplinary research at the interface of protein engineering, optical imaging, and systems neuroscience. The successful candidate will participate in molecular biology, protein engineering, cell culture, and animal-based neuroscience experiments aimed at developing next-generation optical tools for studying brain function. The laboratory develops genetically encoded sensors and actuators for non-invasive imaging and manipulation of neural circuits, combining experimental and computational approaches including machine learning-guided protein engineering. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge neurotechnology and contribute to projects with broad impact in neuroscience and biomedical research.

The Research Technician will support ongoing research projects in molecular engineering, optical imaging, and neuroscience. Responsibilities include molecular cloning, cell culture, protein characterization, data collection and analysis, maintenance of laboratory records, and general laboratory operations. The individual may assist with small animal procedures, histology, microscopy, and the development and testing of genetically encoded sensors and other neurotechnology tools. The position requires close collaboration with laboratory members while maintaining accurate documentation and compliance with institutional research policies and procedures.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
Complies 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 with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
The individual 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

Education:

Bachelor’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:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.
Experience with molecular cloning, cell culture, microscopy, image analysis, computational biology, machine learning, animal research, or viral vector techniques is desirable.
Experience working in an academic research laboratory environment.
The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

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:

Collaboration, Communication, Computer Applications, Computer Literacy, Data Analytics Software, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Multiple Project Management, Organizing, Prioritization of Tasks, Recordkeeping, Software Program, Team Collaboration, Willingness to Learn, Working Independently

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$16.92 - $26.44 / 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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu 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.

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