Research Assistant – Rheumatology Full-time

Immune Receptor Sequencing Researcher

We are building an immune receptor sequencing pipeline for autoimmune research, and we are looking for a hands-on researcher to run the assay at the bench. You will turn patient T and B cell samples into sequencing-ready paired libraries using a non-contact liquid handler, following established protocols. Success means clean RNA, reliable dispensing at tiny volumes, accurate plate tracking, and data that passes QC the first time. You will run the established library prep, handle routine troubleshooting when a run looks off, submit libraries for sequencing, and keep clean records so wet-lab output links cleanly to the analysis team. It is an ideal role for someone early in their career who wants to develop deep, reliable bench skills at the center of a growing immunology effort. Assists with research study, experiments, preparation of material, and documentation.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
• Processes incoming samples, from cryopreserved PBMCs or sorted T cells to sequencing-ready paired TCR/BCR libraries, following established protocols.
• Runs library prep on the liquid handler. Operates the instrument for multiwell library prep and performs routine troubleshooting; escalates to senior staff when results suggest a protocol or method change is needed.
• Runs library QC and support sequencing submission. Performs primary QC on libraries and helps prepare and submit samples to the sequencing core.
• Maintains accurate records. Keeps plate maps, sample sheets, and metadata up to date so wet-lab output links cleanly to downstream analysis. Enters sample information accurately into provided templates and tracking sheets.
• Helps maintain reagent inventory, flags low supplies, and assists with instrument maintenance and calibration schedules.
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications /Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience: Laboratory Operations (2 Years)

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Core bench skills: Comfortable with standard molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and PCR. Understands basic good-practice in RNA work, including avoiding degradation and contamination.
• Careful, methodical work: Tracks plate maps, barcodes, and sample IDs without errors. Follows written protocols closely and keeps accurate records. Maintains a clear electronic lab notebook, recording reagent lots and instrument settings so a run can be reproduced later.
• Prior NGS or library prep experience: Exposure to Illumina library prep, Qubit, and Bioanalyzer or TapeStation is a plus, but you will be trained on the specific workflow.
• Liquid handler exposure: Any experience with automated or non-contact dispensers (such as the Dispendix I.DOT) is welcome. Prior experience is not required, we will train you on the instrument.
• T/B cell handling: Experience with PBMC processing, sorting, or magnetic enrichment.
• Patient-derived samples: Familiarity with clinical samples and the chain-of-custody and consent requirements associated with them.

Salary Range

$17.10 – $29.09 / Hourly

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. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.