Location
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110


Scheduled Hours
40
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 laboratory develops genetically encoded sensors and actuators for non-invasive imaging and manipulation of neural circuits.
Applicants with backgrounds in physics, optics, engineering, or related fields who are interested in applying their background to hands-on neuroscience research are encouraged to apply. Applicants from biological sciences and other relevant disciplines are also welcome. Prior experience in neuroscience or molecular biology is not required; training in relevant laboratory techniques will be provided.
The Research Technician will assist with optical imaging experiments, routine laboratory measurements, and the collection and organization of experimental data. The individual may also assist with basic image and data analysis using established procedures and software. Responsibilities may also include molecular cloning, cell culture, protein characterization, and assistance with small animal procedures and histology. These activities will be carried out with training and guidance from the principal investigator and laboratory members.
The individual will also contribute to routine laboratory preparation, recordkeeping, and maintenance. 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:
- A background in physics, optics, engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field, with an interest in hands-on neuroscience research.
- Interest or introductory experience in microscopy, laboratory measurements, or basic data and image analysis. Relevant experience may come from laboratory coursework, research, or technical projects.
- Experience with molecular cloning, cell culture, protein characterization, animal research, or histology is welcome.
- Comfort with basic computer applications and willingness to learn laboratory software and established methods for collecting, organizing, and reviewing data.
- Attention to detail, willingness to learn new techniques, and the ability to follow established procedures, maintain accurate records, and work effectively with laboratory members.
- 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, 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 or shared ancestry, 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. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.
