Research Opportunities - Psychiatry

Position Summary
This is an exciting research opportunity in the Animal Behavior Subunit (ABS) of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC) at Washington University in St. Louis. We are seeking a motivated scientist to join our team! Work in the lab involves conducting rodent behavioral analysis for NIH-, foundation-, privately-, and university-funded collaborative projects with IDD Investigators. Work includes collecting behavioral data, conducting preliminary data quality analysis, statistical analysis and data interpretation, and assisting the team to bring new assays online to increase the services we provide to the IDD community at WUSTL. This position requires flexible hours as evening and weekend work may be required as needed on a study by study basis.
The IDDRC traces genetic and environmental disruptions of human brain and mind development to their origins at the respective levels of cell, synapse, circuit, and behavior. The ABS provides behavioral characterization and analysis of rodent models to IDD Investigators. Our analysis capabilities extend across multiple behavioral domains including social behavior, learning and memory, sensory and motor function, approach/avoidance, repetitive & restricted behavior patterns, circadian rhythms, reward behaviors, and feeding behaviors, among others. The ABS is partnered with the Animal Behavior Core in the Department of Psychiatry at WUSTL.

Job Description

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.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or proficiency with statistical analysis and relevant software such as IBM SPSS Statistics, GraphPad Prism, or R Programming.  
• Computational skills using relevant software such as Python or MATLAB.    
• Rodent handling experience.  
• Behavioral testing experience  
• Experience with behavioral tracking software such as Noldus Ethovision or Stoelting Any-maze.    
• Machine learning experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant field.    
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.    
• Strong skills in scientific and critical thinking.  
• Computer skills: proficient with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel.    
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well with a team.

Grade

Salary Range

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.