Research Engineering Technician - Engineering

Position Summary
Support the faculty investigator by assisting with the development and conducting of research projects, including equipment design, prototyping, equipment maintenance, experimental design and data acquisition, data analysis, documentation of experimental results, assisting in writing scientific manuscripts, research proposals and reports, and trains other lab members.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• At direction of faculty investigator, conduct experiments and calibrate equipment.
• Monitor/evaluate experiments.
• Maintain records/reports.
• Collect data from experiments.
• Support the faculty investigator by assisting with animal dissection procedures.
• Perform electrophysiology experiments and collect research data.
• Learn DNA techniques and assist with locust transgenesis.
• Assist lab members in data collection during experiments.
• Monitor/evaluate experiments.
• Maintain records/reports.
• May include use of Makerspaces, machine shops, advanced manufacturing, or supervising research teams.
• Daily care, monitoring and enrichment of research animals.
• Assist with preparation/maintenance of protocols for small animal procedures.
• Maintain lab research, safety and purchasing records.
• Purchase items requested by lab members and anticipate the need for other items not requested.
• Ensure compliance with university and laboratory safety regulations.
• Monitor safety training of lab members and perform monthly inspections.
• Monitor and foster proper handling of hazardous and biohazard waste.
• Contribute significantly to fostering a positive working environment for lab members.
• Facilitate the execution of tasks such as routine lab chores, preparation of lab solutions/reagents, and regular maintenance or cleaning of equipment.
• Train new personnel and supervise occasional undergraduate researchers.
• Purchase items requested by lab members and anticipate the need for other items not requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering or related disciplines.
• 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.
• Prior laboratory experience in electrophysiology is desired.
• Interest in learning and applying new techniques is highly preferred.
• Excellent organization and communication skills are highly preferred.
• Other skills: animal husbandry, basic wet lab skills, knowledge of electrophysiology lab instruments, and general computer 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.

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.