Research Specialist - Gastroenterology (General GI)

Washington University in St. Louis

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Our current project is to understand the mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation in the progression of pre-cancerous states in the stomach and pancreas to cancer. We take a multi-focal approach to uncovering these mechanisms, relying on experimental systems in mice and from patient-derived gastric biopsies and gastric/pancreatic tumor resections. We apply transcriptional (i.e., single-cell and T cell receptor RNA sequencing), molecular (siRNA, CRISPR-Cas9), immunohistochemical, organoid, flow cytometric, and in vivo (i.e., mouse models) methods to develop new insight into the evolution of pre-cancerous stages to malignant lesions in the stomach and pancreas. This position will specifically focus on processing blood, gastric biopsies, pancreatic fluid collections, and gastric/pancreatic tissue resections for downstream transcriptional and flow cytometric analyses. In addition, the candidate will be expected to isolate, derive, and maintain organoids from patient samples. Additional tasks will include preparing biopsies/tissue for histologic processing, isolating DNA/RNA and protein, and further characterization using molecular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, RT-PCR). The successful candidate will learn how to perform these tasks and will be expected to be honest, efficient, organized, and collaborative. The candidate will also be expected to learn any additional techniques relevant to the project. The candidate will communicate their findings with the Principal Investigators (PIs) on the project through regular meetings or formal presentations. Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.

Requirements

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Laboratory Setting (4 Years)

Nice To Haves

Critical Thinking
Detail-Oriented
Laboratory Instrumentation
Laboratory Research
Oral Communications
Recordkeeping
Self-Starter
Software Program
Spreadsheets
Statistical Software
Written Communication

Responsibilities

Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI.
Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard.
Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects.
May serve in lead role as needed.
Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings.
May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department.
Conducts literature searches related to research projects.
Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences.
May participate in work related to grants.
Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects.
Suggests technical/ procedural improvements in various methods.
May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols.
Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.
Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events.
Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert.
Performs statistical data analysis, as needed.
Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.
Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department.
May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.
Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.
May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.

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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