Research Assistant - Cardiology

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA
USD 17.1-29.09 / hour
Posted on Jun 25, 2025

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Rawnsley laboratory focuses on the role of lysosomes in cardiac injury and in cardiac development. The Jimenez laboratory focuses on understanding immunotherapy effects on the heart.

Our labs use surgical modeling tools. Routine wet lab techniques used in the lab are molecular biology and biochemical-based techniques, including PCR, RNA extraction, qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA and histological analyses with immunohistochemistry and RNA scope-based in situ hybridization. We also use tissue culture models and various in vitro cellular functional assays to model disease, including stem cell differentiation, organoid culture and live-cell imaging.

Assists the investigator or higher-level technician with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preliminary data analysis, maintenance of equipment, and animal husbandry.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Conducts research experiments and assays.
  • Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
  • Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
  • Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
  • Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
  • Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators.
  • Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
  • Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
  • Performs literature research on specified topics.
  • 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.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (2 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Document Research, Laboratory Processes, Scientific Research

Grade

R07-H

Salary Range

$17.10 - $29.09 / 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/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.