Research Technician II – Radiation Oncology

Scheduled Hours
40

Position Summary
The DeSelm Lab is growing and looking for an enthusiastic Research Technician to join in developing cell immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The lab is focused on strategies to help the immune system recognize solid tumors through the use of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) cells. Utilizing a wide range of modalities, the DeSelm lab is working to make CAR modified cells able to treat solid tumors.
The ideal candidate will be a curious, proactive go-getter with a passion for translational research and the prospect of ultimately making cancer more curable. Work in the lab includes developing skills on cutting-edge equipment, such as the Cytek Aurora flow cytometer, live cell imaging, and tumor/immune profiling to tackle interesting questions advancing cancer research.
Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists senior staff and graduate students with research studies, experiments, and assays, including collection of data, preparation of reagents, and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Analyzes experiment results, produces data reports, and presents findings at internal and external meetings.
• Tissue culture – for both immune cells and tumor cells.
• Supports the maintenance of a mouse colony and performs in vivo tumor and CAR cell treatment experiments.
• Isolates tumor from treated mice, and phenotypes the tumor-reactive T-cell populations.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Performs literature research on specified topics and presents to the lab in monthly journal club.
• Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab organization, lab maintenance and cleaning.

Working Conditions

This position will involve work with murine and human primary samples and cell lines. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique highly preferred.
• Good, accurate pipette skills.
• Experience in flow cytometry (acquisition, data analysis, panel design, FloJo, etc.) is helpful.
• Prior work with mice and in vivo tumor models is a plus.
• Molecular biology skills such as cloning, PCR, RNA isolation, etc., is a plus.
• Candidates with a background in immunology research, or tumor research, are highly preferred.
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity, attention to detail, and ability to work as part of a collaborative team.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and up to 1 year of experience in a laboratory setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience equaling 4 years.

Grade
R06-H

Salary Range
$16.59 – $25.92 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one’s qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• 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.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.