Research Technician II (Time-Limited) - Infectious Diseases

Location SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110 Scheduled Hours 40 Position Summary The Diamond Laboratory at WashU Medicine is looking to hire a time-limited Research Technician for up to one year (with the possibility of an extension) as part of recent NIH award to study the impact of long-COVID on the brain. As part of this role, the researcher will work with human tissue specimens to analyze the impact of long-COVID on central nervous system immune responses using a combination of microscopy and single-cell transcriptomic techniques. The technician will also investigate if any aspect of brain immunity in long-COVID patients correlates with symptoms or neuronal damage in key brain regions. We are looking to hire a motivated individual who will assist with the daily experimental work for this project with guidance from our investigators. This position provides an excellent opportunity for any individuals looking to gain additional laboratory experience working with human tissue, advanced microscopy techniques, and RNA-sequencing analyses. Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials. Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment. Performs immunofluorescent microscopy staining on brain and meningeal dural human specimens. Images tissue using a combination of widefield, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy techniques. Processes tissue for single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Assists with analysis of imaging and transcriptomic datasets. Contributes to manuscript preparation and grant progress report preparation through data analysis and presentation, methods description, and more. Troubleshoots and optimizes technical issues with microscopy protocols (or other processes) to enhance data quality and rigor. 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: 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. More About This Job The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting. 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: Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Software Program, 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. 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 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. 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