Position Summary
A Research Technician II position with a bioinformatics focus is available in the Molecular Oncology Laboratory of Dr. Dimitrios Mathios, MD, at The Brain Tumor Center of Washington University School of Medicine. Our laboratory aims to harness the expansive knowledge in brain cancer genomics, cancer epigenomics and immunogenomics to design liquid biopsy assays that will help us diagnose patients with brain tumors without the need for invasive surgeries. The goal of the lab is to take the liquid biopsy technologies developed in the lab and translate them to tests that can be used to guide patient care.
The Research Technician II will work under the supervision of a faculty investigator or postdoctoral fellow and will be responsible for laboratory maintenance and molecular biology experiments to support the ongoing projects in the lab.
Our lab has extensively published in the field of liquid biopsy (Nature Communications, Nature Genetics, Cancer Discovery) for cancer detection and we have recently extended our efforts in using novel genomic and epigenomic technologies such as cfDNA fragmentomics for detection of brain cancer, a cancer that is the hardest to detect in the blood of patients, using machine learning algorithms. The candidate will be assisting with projects to further improve and optimize the existing technology and will be given the opportunity to help develop additional novel technologies towards the main goal of the lab.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting with research studies, experiments and assays including collection of data, preparation of solutions and set-up and maintenance of equipment.
• Tracking and accessioning orders.
• Managing supply and reagent stocks.
• Preparing laboratory solutions and reagents.
• Coordinating biospecimen retrieval and accessioning.
• Organizing sample and clinical data databases.
• Conducting clinical chart review.
• Following established procedures and protocols to support lab projects.
• Implementing basic understanding of theory behind experiments to carry out protocols and identify and troubleshoot obstacles.
• Performing molecular biology experiments:
  • DNA extraction from biospecimens, including plasma, buffy coat, and tumor tissue.
  • Library preparation for next-generation sequencing.
  • Nucleic acid quantification.
• Recording data resulting from molecular biology experiments.
• Analyzing data from molecular biology experiments with assistance.
• Communicating with lab members to coordinate work, share progress, and identify areas in need of troubleshooting.
• Complying with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensuring lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assisting with general lab maintenance and cleaning.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience in biomedical laboratory research.
• The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual with excellent work ethic and organizational skills. 
• 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.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience equaling 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.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  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.