Staff Scientist - Pediatric Surgery
About The Position
The Zani Lab’s mission is to advance understanding of perinatal disease mechanisms and to develop targeted regenerative and diagnostic strategies in fetal and neonatal medicine. Led by Augusto Zani, pediatric surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine, the lab investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in disease pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools. Using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, the lab studies EVs derived from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) and other perinatal sources to evaluate their capacity for tissue regeneration and early disease detection. Our research focuses on major perinatal and neonatal diseases, with particular emphasis on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), spina bifida (SB), gastroschisis (GS), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Through these investigations, the Zani Lab aims to elucidate disease mechanisms, advance EV-based regenerative therapies, and identify biomarkers that predict disease progression and response to treatment. Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.
Requirements
- Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
- Laboratory Operations (3 Years)
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Communication
- Computer Literacy
- Data Analysis
- Data Interpretations
- Equipment Set Up
- Experimental Methods
- Laboratory Operations
- Laboratory Techniques
- Mentor Training
- Technical Leadership
- Tissue Cultures
- Training and Development
- Troubleshooting Errors
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 complex 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 and 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.
- Conducts literature searches related to research project.
- 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
Mid Level
