Research Specialist – Pediatrics Newborn Medicine Full-time NEW

Research Scientist Position

The newly forming Alfano lab focuses on the mechanisms of pathogen-specific molecular determinants of sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. The goal of our research is to determine the factors that confer increased risk of life-threatening sepsis to certain populations and provide novel insights into future therapeutic developments. We utilize extensive in vivo and in vitro modeling of bacterial infection in concert with both bacterial and host genetic perturbation to examine the host-bacterial interaction. Our work operates alongside the mentorship of the Bubeck Wardenburg lab at WashU Medicine. Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.
• Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/ procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.
• Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.
• Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.
• Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.
• May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards as well as BSL2 pathogens.
• 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: Master'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 Setting (4 Years)

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

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: Critical Thinking, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Oral Communications, Recordkeeping, Self-Starter, Software Program, Spreadsheets, Statistical Software, Written Communication

Grade: R09

Salary Range: $41,700.00 – $75,600.00 / Annually 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.

Benefits Statement:

• 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 challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

• 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.