Staff Scientist – Infectious Diseases Full-time

Staff Scientist Position

The Boon-lab at WashU in St Louis is looking for an enthusiastic Staff Scientist to support our team studying tick-borne viral diseases, including Bourbon and Heartland virus. Projects in the lab include developing and evaluating antiviral and anti-tick vaccines, characterizing human and mouse monoclonal antibodies against tick-borne viruses, and developing serological assays to determine seroprevalence of these infections in human and wildlife populations across the United States. Also, we are interested in studying these viruses in ticks as well as transmission between ticks and mammalian hosts. The projects will involve a diverse array of techniques including protein structural studies, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and ticks to study different aspects of tick-borne viruses.

Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results. The lab is housed in the Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine in Saint Louis, MO. The lab is housed on a floor with several other laboratories that study virus-host interactions. We have ongoing collaborations with labs in many other departments in the University including Molecular Microbiology and Pathology and Immunology.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Conducts literature searches related to research project.
• 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:

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 Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in immunology, molecular biology, microbiology, or a similar field.
• Experience in virology or tick-research is highly desired.
• Have published one or more papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Can guide research projects.
• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to mentor students and technicians.
• Excellent speaking, reading and writing skills.

Grade:

R10

Salary Range:

$48,000.00 – $86,900.00 / AnnuallyThe 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.

Questions:

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

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:

• 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.