Research Assistant (Gap Year) - Genetics
About The Position
The Ushiki Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and how noncoding genetic variation alters gene regulation in human disease. Our work integrates functional genomics, human genetics, and in vivo experimental systems to understand enhancer function across regulatory and phenotypic scales. We develop and apply both experimental and computational approaches, including in vivo Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs), to define the sequence basis and functional consequences of enhancer activity and to expand MPRA-based approaches to other aspects of transcriptional regulation. Ongoing work in the lab is supported by an NHGRI K99/R00 award and the Preeclampsia Foundation’s Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grant. Assists with various aspects of the research process in a laboratory setting under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel in order to gain experience to further future career opportunities. Guided activities may include literature review and initial research to identify experimental opportunities, experimental design, execution of experiments and troubleshooting, collection and analysis of data, and/or communication/presentation of results. This role is well-suited for those interested in a gap year(s) where they will be spending time in a research lab acquiring new skills under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
- No specific work experience is required for this position.
- Not Applicable
- A driver's license is not required for this position.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree related to life sciences.
- Basic wet lab skills such as pipetting and laboratory record keeping.
- Basic molecular biology lab experience (PCR, plasmid work and tissue culture).
- 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 with a team.
Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the PI or lab members, performs projects, experiments, data collection, and data analysis.
- Designs experiments under guidance of PI or senior lab members.
- Performs data entry and maintains lab notebook.
- Receives mentorship for activities related to career goals and objectives (i.e., PhD or MD programs).
- Under supervision, drafts materials for manuscripts, presentations, and/or posters.
- May present results as directed by PI.
- Reviews literature related to relevant research.
- Learns lab functions helpful in running a lab (e.g., purchasing, explaining protocols to other lab members).
- Assists in developing procedures and guidelines for the lab.
- Assists with general lab upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
