Research Technician II - Genetics

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA
USD 16.92-26.44 / hour
Posted on Sep 25, 2025

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Join our efforts to advance drug discovery and help address rising healthcare costs. For 60 years, drug development costs have doubled roughly every nine years—a trend known as Eroom's Law. These rising costs are a major problem for the industry. The Mitra Lab is developing innovative technologies to counter this challenge by improving target identification and accelerating small-molecule discovery.

As a Research Technician, you'll be an essential member of our collaborative team. Working in our newly renovated facilities at the Couch Biomedical Research Building, you will execute experiments that advance our research goals. This full-time role offers opportunities for scientific growth, authorship, and career development in a supportive environment.

This position emphasizes molecular biology techniques and requires a dedicated, highly motivated individual ready to contribute to important drug discovery research.

Why Join the Mitra Lab?

* Meaningful impact: Contribute to research aimed at tackling one of healthcare's biggest challenges.
* Professional growth: Opportunities for authorship, skill development, and career advancement (contingent upon performance).
* Collaborative culture: Work alongside a supportive, diverse team of researchers.
* Modern facilities: Access to newly renovated laboratory space in the Couch Biomedical Research Building.

Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Lab Website: http://genetics.wustl.edu/rmlab/.

  • Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
  • Supports molecular cloning and lentivirus production workflows.
  • Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, mammalian cell culture maintenance. etc.
  • Contributes to troubleshooting and optimization of experimental workflows.
  • Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning, ensuring lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures and safety protocols.
  • 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:

No specific certification 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:

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
  • Proven experience with mammalian cell culture is highly preferred.
  • Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning).
  • Ability to adapt and change as new laboratory protocols emerge.

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:

Communication, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) Analysis, Immunoprecipitation, Mammalian Cell Culture, Molecular Biology Techniques, Organizational Capability, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR), Software Program, Unix Commands, Working Independently

Grade

R06-H

Salary 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/

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.