Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Department of Surgery at WashU in St. Louis is seeking an experienced Research Specialist to jointly serve the Endocrine Neoplasia Research Group (ENRG) and the Solid Tumor and Tissue Bank Registry (STTBR). These two groups foster a collaborative network including three MD physician-scientists, three scientists, three research assistants, biostatisticians, and surgical residents. The ENRG and STTBR collectively operate out of 2700 square feet of recently renovated lab space in the heart of the WashU medical campus.

The Research Specialist will provide critically complex research and experimentation that advances scientific analysis and discovery. This role includes acting as a subject matter expert, offering support, training, and guidance to other research staff, particularly in the areas of transgenic mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and organoid model generation. The ENRG adopts a “bedside to bench” approach, leveraging access to human endocrine tumor samples, cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies, high throughput signaling assays, and transgenic mouse models to study endocrine neoplasia. This role will be pivotal in advancing ongoing projects, including the genomics and clonal diversity of parathyroid tumors and the molecular pharmacology of calcium sensing and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

Both the ENRG and the STTBR are a vital part of the Department of Surgery, which is the second-highest NIH-funded department of surgery in the U.S., with over $24M in annual NIH expenditures. The lab has been well-supported by NIH funding (including 3 R01s, 1 R21, 2 K awards, and a T32) as well as society and industry support.

Job Description

• Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI, particularly in areas involving transgenic mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and molecular assays. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.

• Provides transgenic mouse colony maintenance and husbandry, genotyping and biochemical assessments and analysis. Continues the STTBR’s PDX production and established pipeline analysis.

• Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.

• Manages daily surgical operations, including mouse house management, surgical pre-operative set -up, animal identification, ordering supplies, sample processing, and equipment maintenance.

• Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/ procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.

• Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.

• Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.

• Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.

• May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.

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:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Setting (4 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in one or more of the following aresas: Transgenic mouse models, PDX models, organoid generation, PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, and molecular assays.
• Background in endocrine research, particularly involving genomic sequencing technologies and molecular pharmacology.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Cell Cultures, Critical Thinking, Detail-Oriented, Genome Sequencing, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Molecular Pharmacology, Oral Communications, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Recordkeeping, Self-Starter, Software Program, Spreadsheets, Statistical Software, Transgenic Mice, Written Communication

Grade

R09

Salary Range

$43,888.00 - $75,600.00 / Annually

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.

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.

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.