Research Lab Technician II - Biology

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Kautt Lab seeks a skilled Research Lab Technician. The lab employs an integrative approach, combining evolutionary genomics with molecular experiments, behavioral assays, and fieldwork to study how organisms adapt to their environment. Our study systems are deer mice and soon crayfish.

The Research Lab Technician will assist the PI in setting up the wet lab, perform laboratory maintenance tasks under minimal supervision, and work in consultation with senior researchers to assist laboratory molecular and behavioral experiments. May perform a variety of animal care and laboratory safety techniques independently, reporting results to supervisor or other lab personnel. There may be opportunities for training in a variety of support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the research needs as well as interests of the candidate.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory maintenance tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis such as autoclaving, waste compliance, supply inventories, ordering consumables and equipment, freezer organization, shipping and receiving, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required.

• Maintains laboratory safety protocols and records, adhering to all EH&S and other regulatory oversights, attends regular safety meetings and disseminates necessary information to the lab.

• Under direction may perform laboratory behavioral and molecular experiments utilizing specific and proscribed techniques and equipment to further existing, ongoing lab research projects.

• Coordinates and carries out multiple aspects of animal colony maintenance for both deer mice and crayfish, including, but not limited to, setting up breeding pairs, litter/egg checks, weaning, feeding, and tank cleaning.

• Assists PI with ensuring adherence to all animal welfare regulatory oversights.

• Under direction may be asked to process, organize, summarize, and analyze data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms.

• Contributes to unit goals by undertaking other duties as required.

• Will attend team meetings for experimental planning.

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. May be required to lift, move, and transport related laboratory equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. degree in biology, veterinary sciences or related science.

• Experience with applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, is highly preferred.

• Understands and follows good laboratory practices including recordkeeping.

• Responsible, self-motivated and detail oriented, with excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.

• Effective verbal and written skills.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a laboratory or research setting equaling 4 years may substitute for this requirement.

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$16.59 - $25.92 / 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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• 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/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.