Research/Lab Technician II – Biology Full-time

Research/Lab Technician

Our two neighboring labs in the Biology Department are seeking a Research/Lab Technician to support our work studying plant and mammalian genomics. The Mallott Lab is interested in how the gut microbiome acts as a mediator between the environment and host health and fitness, and the evolution of host-microbe interactions in primates. The Olsen Lab is interested in understanding the genomic changes that occur during crop domestication and the evolution of crop weedy and wild relatives. We are both interdisciplinary groups that values skillsets from multiple fields. We envision a position divided as half days in each adjacent lab. The primary duties of this position include performing routine molecular biology experiments and related research tasks that include greenhouse work, fieldwork, and training undergrads in basic lab techniques. The position will support science outreach to high school biology teachers by assembling and coordinating distribution of classroom kits. This position will also be responsible for day-to-day management of the lab, including inventory tracking, data curation, troubleshooting malfunctioning laboratory equipment, and maintaining the organization of the laboratory space.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs DNA extraction, PCR, DNA library construction, qPCR, metabolite derivations, and other molecular techniques.
• Maintains sample, data, and inventory management systems.
• Places orders for lab reagents and supplies.
• Assists with general laboratory management.
• 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/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.

Salary Range

$16.92 – $26.44 / Hourly. The 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.

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. 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.