Research Technician II - Anesthesiology
Washington University in St. Louis
Scheduled Hours
40Position Summary
The Creed lab in the Department of Anesthesiology seeks a Research Technician to join our team. Chronic pain afflicts over 20% of the population, and is characterized by affective symptoms (anhedonia, apathy and depressed mood) that negatively impact pain management. Research in our lab seeks to understand the basis for these affective symptoms. We focus on synaptic plasticity within genetically-defined neural circuits in the ventral basal ganglia: the networks involved in reward-guided decision making and learning.We combine patch clamp and in vivo electrophysiology, RNA-sequencing, biophysical modeling of neurons and computational models of behavior to understand how chronic pain and opioid analgesics alters plasticity in neural circuits, and how changes in these neural circuits drive negative affect and changes in cognition. Our ultimate goal is to use these insights to develop novel neuromodulation therapies to treat affective and cognitive symptoms of chronic pain disorders. The successful candidate will work closely with senior lab members using in vivo electrophysiological and behavioral approaches to multiple collaborative projects in the lab.
Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions, histology and fluorescent imaging experiments.
- Assists with animal colony maintenance and husbandry.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Works closely with senior post-docs in the lab to execute behavioral experiments and analyze data.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation.
- Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
- 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:
Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, 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/