Research Engineering Technician - Biomedical Engineering

Position Summary
Supports the faculty investigator by assisting with the development and conducting of research projects, including equipment design, prototyping and maintenance, experimental design and data acquisition involving use of custom software, data analysis involving use and development of statistical software, and documentation of experimental results. Assists in writing scientific manuscripts, research proposals, and reports. Trains other lab members.
The O’Brien Lab has research facilities in the Danforth and Medical Campus, including extensive collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Biophotonics Research Center housed in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, and the Institute for Global Health. The successful candidate will be part of a highly collaborative team focused on developing light-based devices that improve health for women everywhere.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• At direction of faculty investigator, conduct biomedical optics experiments including imaging, sensing, wet lab sample preparation, building and testing tissue mimicking phantoms, and optical performance characterization.
• Assist lab members in data collection during experiments.
• Monitor/evaluate experiments.
• Maintain records/reports.
• At direction of faculty investigator, assist with development of animal and/or human physiology experiments that may include use of custom 30 software. May require programming/modifying software in a scientific language (e.g., Matlab, Python).
• Support the faculty investigator by assisting with the design and prototype data collection and experiment software to support research projects that may include use of machine shops, rapid prototyping tools, Python and MATLAB.
• Perform data analysis including statistical analyses and original coding if required.
• Assist with writing interpretative reports/summaries.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in biomedical engineering, computer science, or equivalent in related field.
• Interest in women’s health, maternal health, global health.
• Experience working with animals.
• Experience working with human subjects.
• Experience with medical devices.
• Experience with MATLAB/Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate with laboratory staff and investigators.
• Ability to maintain complete and organized records/reports.
• Working knowledge of computer software and general lab equipment.
• Expertise with basic rules of computer coding, wet lab skills, biomedical optics/biophotonics.
• Ability to learn new software independently.
• Ability to communicate orally and in written form with others outside their discipline.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics or 4 years of equivalent education/experience in an engineering or sciences laboratory or research setting.

Grade
R07-H

Salary Range
$16.76 - $28.51 / 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 [email protected]  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.