Research Technician II – Pediatrics Newborn Medicine Full-time

Research Technician 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 in 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. Experimental approaches involve endothelial cell culture, bacterial culturing, microscopy, flow cytometry, molecular biology, functional cell-based in vitro assays, and in vivo murine models. The Research Technician will work closely with the PI and other members of the laboratory in studies examining mouse models of infection and endothelial dysfunction. Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments including documentation, preparation of materials, and assisting with analysis of results. Our work operates alongside the mentorship of the Bubeck Wardenburg lab at WashU Medicine. This position offers the opportunity to join an innovative research team and contribute to basic and translational research projects.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists with research studies in both in vitro and in vivo systems, experiments, and assays including collection of data, preparation of reagents, set-up and maintenance of equipment.
• Assists with the maintenance of the laboratory's mouse colony (e.g., breeding and weaning mice, and genotyping for maintenance of genetic integrity of the colony).
• Performs data entry, maintains data files on research, and assists with analysis.
• 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 including ordering and shipping.

Working Conditions:

• This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical, and BSL2 pathogens.
• The individual 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: 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

The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

Salary Range

$16.92 – $26.44 / HourlyThe 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

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.

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.