Research Assistant (Gap Year) – Neurology Full-time

Research Assistant (Gap Year)

WashU Medicine, Department of Neurology, has an opening for a Research Assistant (Gap year) to join the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center (NGI). This position is ideally suited for individuals that have recently graduated and are looking to gain research experience prior to pursuing a PhD or Industry position. The successful candidate will be involved in projects that handle big-data research, bundling genetics, multi-omics, biomarker, clinical, and histopathological data, to better understand Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Overall, this research will contribute importantly to the discovery of novel risk genes, steer basic research and drug development, and advance personalized medicine. Assists with various aspects of the research process in a laboratory setting under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel in order to gain experience to further future career opportunities. Guided activities may include literature review and initial research to identify experimental opportunities, experimental design, execution of experiments and troubleshooting, collection and analysis of data, and/or communication/presentation of results. This role is well-suited for those interested in a gap year(s) where they will be spending time in a research lab acquiring new skills under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the PI or lab members, performs projects, experiments, data collection, and data analysis.
• Designs experiments under guidance of PI or senior lab members.
• Performs data entry and maintains lab notebook.
• Receives mentorship for activities related to career goals and objectives (i.e., PhD or MD programs).
• Under supervision, drafts materials for manuscripts, presentations, and/or posters. May present results as directed by PI.
• Reviews literature related to relevant research.
• Learns lab functions helpful in running a lab (e.g., purchasing, explaining protocols to other lab members).
• Assists in developing procedures and guidelines for the lab.
• Assists with general lab upkeep, 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.

Equipment:

• Office equipment.
• Lab equipment.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• 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:

This position is time-limited up to no more than 3 years.

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: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Data Entry, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Research Labs, Software Program

Grade: R06-H

Salary Range: $16.92 – $26.44 / Hourly

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

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.

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.

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.