Research/Lab Technician II - Engineering

Position Summary
Primary responsibilities are to maintain the lab’s supply of induced pluripotent stem cells, perform routine tissue culture protocols, differentiate cells into cardiomyocytes, and optimize protocols for cryopreservation and thawing of cardiomyocytes. Also responsible for assisting with formation of engineered heart muscle, performing physiology studies, occasional molecular biology assays, assisting other lab members with electrophysiological recording, and maintaining accurate laboratory records. Finally, will manage purchasing for the lab and be responsible for overseeing “restock” of key items.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare and Maintain Reagent Stocks and Chemicals

• Prepare reagents and equipment for daily use.
• Prepare culture media.
• Monitor status of related lab stock reagents and chemicals.

Lab Equipment and Facilities

• Monitor tissue culture incubators and help maintain sterile working conditions within the tissue culture room.
• Waste management: Monitor and foster proper handling of hazardous, sharps, and biohazard waste.

Research Assistance

• Assist supervisor and lab members with research responsibilities, primarily maintenance of induced pluripotent stem cells and routine differentiation into cardiomyocytes.
• Assist in forming engineered heart tissues to study the effects of various drugs on tissue physiology.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mammalian cells or human pluripotent stem cells is strongly preferred.
• Strong interest in science research and cell culture.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to self-motivate and work efficiently, accurately, and independently.
• Able to work in a multicultural team with different personalities.
• Willing and able to learn new techniques as required.

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 [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.