Research Technician II – Pathology & Immunology Full-time

Research Assistant Position

The Ackerman lab (Department of Pathology and Immunology, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia) studies molecular mechanisms underlying neural plasticity and neurodegeneration using zebrafish and fruit fly model systems. We use traditional and cutting-edge genetic strategies to identify new mechanisms used by glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) to sculpt brain wiring, and to understand how this contributes to a variety of neurological diseases. With the support of a new award from the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, and as an active collaboration with the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Pollina, the Ackerman lab has recently expanded its scope to explore how neuronal activity influences gene expression and genome architecture in astrocytes. Candidates should have educational or training experience in the biological sciences, and an enthusiasm for new challenges and opportunities. Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Additional Details about the Lab:

• Our laboratory uses animal models (zebrafish and Drosophila) to understand how the brain develops and functions.
• The goal of our research is to explore how neuronal activity influences astrocyte genome remodeling and its connection to long-term brain health.
• We utilize reverse genetics, optogenetics, next generation sequencing, confocal microscopy, and behavioral readouts to interrogate the nervous system.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous work with Drosophila strongly preferred.
• Experience and working knowledge of diverse imaging strategies (confocal imaging).
• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

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: Communication, Detailed Reports, GraphPad, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Microsoft Excel, Organizing, Records Management, Software Program, Troubleshooting, Working Independently

Grade: R06-H

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.

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. 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.