Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Oâ™Brien Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking to hire a Research Technician II to assist in animal and human studies for testing novel light-based tools that are being developed as diagnostics for global problems in maternal-fetal health and reproductive diseases. In addition, this role will include assistance with animal and human research protocols, maintaining protocol compliance, purchasing and reimbursements, and general lab assistance.

A number of womenâ™s health diseases ranging from pregnancy complications to cancer do not have sufficient early detection and prevention strategies, resulting in poor outcomes which are often exacerbated by socioeconomic status and race. Preventive healthcare most often occurs at the community level, however our most cutting edge diagnostic tools are often not designed to work in this environment, let alone mobile health clinics which are being more frequently used to expand healthcare access to underserved communities. Optical technologies are well suited to fill gaps in preventive womenâ™s healthcare. Light-based technologies can be specifically designed for use at the point of care, be non-contact and re-usable, provide real-time results, generate label-free or exogenous molecular contrast, and have significantly lower costs than most non-optical modalities. These characteristics make them optimal for expanding preventive health care to underserved communities where disparities in preventable health problems are greatest.

The Oâ™Brien Lab has research facilities in the Danforth and Medical Campus, including extensive collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Biophotonics Research Center housed in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, and the Institute for Global Health. The successful candidate will be part of a highly collaborative team focused on developing light-based devices that improve health for women everywhere.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with biomedical optics experiments including imaging, sensing, wet lab sample preparation, building and testing tissue mimicking phantoms, and optical performance characterization.
• Assist with research studies (cell, animal, and human) and set-up and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Assist with IACUC and IRB protocols, and maintain compliance.
• Collect and enter data, maintain data files on research.
• Comply with established safety procedures and maintain required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensure lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with establishes procedures.
• Purchasing, scheduling, and reimbursements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in either engineering, life sciences, chemistry, or related fields.
• Interest in womenâ™s health, maternal health, and/or global health.
• Four years of research experience in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, biology, or chemistry labs.
• Experience working with animals.
• Experience working with human subjects.
• Experience with medical devices.
• Experience with MATLAB/python.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate with laboratory staff and investigators.
• Ability to maintain complete and organized records/reports.
• Working knowledge of computer software and general lab equipment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Required Qualifications

High School degree or equivalent high school certification or equivalent combination of education and experience equaling four years in related field, or a bachelorâ™s degree in related field. 

Grade

R06-H

Salary Range

$15.61 - $24.39 / 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.

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

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individualâ™s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement

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

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