Research Technician II - Biochemistry

Washington University in St. Louis • Narragansett, RI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ghanbarpour Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join our interdisciplinary research program. Our lab investigates how bacteria and human mitochondria maintain homeostasis and respond to stress and environmental challenges. A central focus of our research is uncovering the molecular mechanisms of ATP-dependent AAA proteolytic machines, both soluble and membrane-spanning, and their accessory factors in bacterial and mitochondrial systems. We study how these complexes assemble, achieve substrate specificity, and promote bacterial recovery from antibiotic stress, environmental changes, and pathogen attack. These efforts integrate cryo-EM and cryo-ET structural biology, biochemical and cellular assays, and mass spectrometry. The lab also explores bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infection, including rewiring of proteolytic systems and the deployment of innate immune strategies that enable survival during phage attack. In addition, another major focus of our research is protein engineering and the development of new molecular tools based on these proteolytic systems. As a Research Technician II, you will receive extensive hands-on training in cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis, heterogeneity analysis tools, mass spectrometry, membrane biology, biochemistry, and cellular assays. The Ghanbarpour Laboratory and WashU Medicine provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for structural biology, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry, along with a highly collaborative research environment. Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials. This position is well suited for individuals planning to pursue graduate school, medical school, or a research-focused academic career. The position is supported by NIH grant R35GM160328, the Longer Life Foundation, and Washington University startup funds. Related papers: 1. Zhang T.; Barbosa R.; Ghanbarpour, A.; Laub, T. M.; Activation of a bacterial immunity protein via supramolecular assembly with multiple phage triggers, Nature (2026). 2. Iqbal, N.; Keller, S.; Ghanbarpour, A. Structural plasticity of the membrane-bound protein degradation assembly supports bacterial adaptation to stress. Biorxiv, 2025. 3. Ghanbarpour, A.; Telusma, B.; Powell, B.; Zhang, J. J.; Bolstad, I.; Vargas, C.; Keller, S.; Baker, T. A; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; An asymmetric nautilus-like HflK/C assembly controls FtsH proteolysis of membrane proteins, The EMBO Journal, 44, 2501 (2025). 4. Ghanbarpour, A.; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; A proteolytic AAA+ machine poised to unfold a protein substrate, Nature Communications, 15, 9681 (2024).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
• No specific work experience is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience in biochemistry, genetic microbiology, cell biology, or protein engineering.

Responsibilities

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab 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.

What This Job Offers

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