Research/Laboratory Technician II - Biomedical Engineering

Position Summary
The Setton Laboratory has an immediate need for an individual to work with a multidisciplinary orthopaedic research group studying pathomechanisms and treatment strategies for spine and joint diseases. The individual will be assisting with processing analyses of results from pre-clinical and in vitro models of musculoskeletal pathology including microscopy, histology, medical imaging, and associated computer code development. The individual will also contribute to new protocol development for optical and electrical measurements of neuronal cells and other cell types in animal models of pathology.
The successful candidate has the opportunity to contribute to original research projects in the laboratory and to assist in the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals and presentations, as well as to help with the training of undergraduate engineering students.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of pre-clinical models of musculoskeletal pathology, including protocol management, procurement, breeding, working alongside surgeons as needed, and supporting behavioral analysis.
• Assist with optical assays of calcium imaging in studies of ion channel activation for neuronal cell populations and other cell types of relevance to musculoskeletal disease.
• Assist with overseeing students in working with animal models and data analysis.
• Support equipment and contribute to processing, embedding, microtome cutting and mounting of tissue, as well as cryostat sectioning; perform routine and special staining techniques.
• Contribute to writing of protocols, scientific articles and development of figures to be used in manuscripts and grant preparation.
• Contribute to maintenance of laboratory equipment and purchasing/receiving as needed.
• Contribute to organization of weekly laboratory meetings.
• 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

• Experience in animal handling, microscopy, cellular electrophysiology, histological processing and sectioning, and immunochemistry (including histological staining, immunoblotting, and ELISA).
• General laboratory management.
• Excellent teaming and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and proficient note-taking skills in all lab work.
• Diligence in meeting deadlines for protocol development, working with collaborators, grant deadlines and more.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and experience to equal four years.

Grade
R06-H

Salary Range
$16.08 - $25.12 / 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.

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
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of 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.

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