Research Engineering Technician - Engineering

Washington University in St. Louis

8d • $17 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

Support the faculty investigator by assisting with developing software for 2-photon microscope, as well as modules for data collection and developing a processing pipeline for analyzing in vivo calcium signals recorded from transgenic insects and brain organoids. Expected to contribute towards development and conducting of research projects, including equipment design, prototyping, equipment maintenance, experimental design and data acquisition, data analysis, documentation of experimental results, assisting in writing scientific manuscripts, research proposals and reports, and training of other lab members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics, or four years of equivalent education/experience in an engineering or sciences laboratory or research setting.
• Ability to maintain complete and organized records/reports.
• Working knowledge of computer software and general lab equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate with laboratory staff and investigators.
• Prior laboratory experience in software development and image processing is desired.
• Interest in learning and applying new techniques is highly preferred.
• Excellent organization and communication skills are highly preferred.
• Familiarity or prior experience developing device level software modules, microcontroller programming, machine learning methods and data processing technique.

Responsibilities

• At direction of faculty investigator, conduct experiments and calibrate equipment.
• Monitor/evaluate experiments.
• Maintain records/reports.
• Collect data from experiments.
• Support the faculty investigator by developing software for 2-photon microscope, as well as modules for data collection and developing a processing pipeline for analyzing in vivo calcium signals recorded from transgenic insects and brain organoids.
• Assist lab members in data collection during experiments.
• May include use of Makerspaces, machine shops, advanced manufacturing, or supervising research teams.
• Daily care, monitoring and enrichment of animals.
• Assist with preparation/maintenance of protocols for small animal procedures.
• Maintain lab research, safety and purchasing records.
• Purchase items requested by lab members and anticipate the need for other items not requested.
• Ensure compliance with university and laboratory safety regulations.
• Monitor safety training of lab members and perform monthly inspections.
• Monitor and foster proper handling of hazardous and biohazard waste.
• Contribute significantly to fostering a positive working environment for lab members.
• Facilitate the execution of tasks such as routine lab chores, preparation of lab solutions/reagents, and regular maintenance or cleaning of equipment.
• Train new personnel and supervise occasional undergraduate researchers.
• Purchase items requested by lab members and anticipate the need for other items not requested.
• Perform 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.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• 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!
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
• Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.
• Adult care resources.
• Tuition coverage for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level