Position Summary
The Geisler lab within the Neuromuscular Division of the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill the position of a Staff Scientist. Our lab conducts translational research focusing on mechanisms of axon degeneration, pain and neuro-immune interactions in the peripheral nervous system with the goal to develop effective therapeutic agents that can be translated into relevant treatment strategies for patients. We use a combination of animal models, neuronal cell culture, patient samples, molecular and cell biology, genetics, single cell RNA sequencing and imaging. Experiments for this position will utilize AAV-mediated gene therapy in mouse models of chemotherapy-induced neuropathies.
The Staff Scientist will play a major role in collaboration with the PI in project management, manuscript preparation, experimental design, training postdoctoral fellows, junior trainees, and other staff, and liaising with other collaborators.
We welcome and support scientists with diverse backgrounds who are energetic and highly motivated for career advancement in academia or industry. The University offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. Our lab will be housed in the state-of-the-art multidisciplinary Neuroscience Research Building, slated to open in the fall of 2023 as one of the largest neuroscience research buildings in the country.

Job Description

For more information on the lab please visit https://sites.wustl.edu/geislerlab/ .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Performs statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
• Documents research topics, prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Assures compliance with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions. Assists with general lab maintenance and ordering.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group or department.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. 

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive hazards. Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience or related fields.
• Strong track record of productivity supported by accepted or in press first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong neuroscience and/or neuroimmunology experience.
• Proficiency in rodent handling and tissue collection is highly preferred.
• Experience with cell and molecular biology techniques (bacterial transformation, plasmid purification, western blot, neuronal cell culture, viral vectors) and/or single cell RNA sequencing is desirable. 
• Analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data and to communicate data in a clear, concise manner.
• Computer literacy, including the ability to use a variety of software packages to analyze data.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree with four years of experience in research lab operations. An equivalent combination of education and experience equaling nine years may substitute for this requirement.

Grade
R10

Salary Range
$47,000.00 - $85,200.00 / Annually

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.