Research Technician II - Neuroscience
Washington University in St. Louis
Scheduled Hours
40Position Summary
The Gabel laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at WashU Medicine seeks a collaborative team member to contribute to exciting neuroanatomical studies using histological and spatial transcriptomic technologies.This position will support an ongoing research project focused on understanding genetic causes of neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, including autism and intellectual disability. The individual in this position will assist with spatial transcriptomic studies, including rodent handling, brain sample preparation, and histological sectioning of brain samples for downstream single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomic imaging. In addition, the position will assist with neuroanatomical analyses of resulting spatial transcriptomic data (e.g., segmentation of brain images and characterization of neuroanatomical phenotypes).
These studies will be carried out in collaboration with members of the WashU Scalable Mouse Assay center, a large-scale initiative funded by the NIMH SSPsyGene Consortium that is systematically profiling phenotypes in 100+ mouse models of neuropsychiatric disease using cutting-edge genomic and behavioral methods.
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 a standardized biweekly protocol collecting mouse brain specimens with the lab team, preparing these samples for histology and genomics analysis.
- Executes sample processing by cryostat sectioning to facilitate parallel histological and genomics assays.
- Performs neuroanatomical segmentation analysis of spatial transcriptomic data and works with computational team members to execute bioinformatic studies of these data.
- Maintains well organized sample collection and processing logs, including digitizing and archiving samples and samples information for inclusion in project-associated NIH databases.
- Monitors data to ensure consistent quality.
- Identifies and implements experimental and analytical pipeline improvements and refinements.
- 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 and other team members.
- 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.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Driver's License:
More About This Job
The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Collaboration, Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Recordkeeping, Software Program, Working IndependentlyGrade
R06-HSalary Range
$16.92 - $26.44 / HourlyThe 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/