Research Technician II - Pediatrics Newborn Medicine

Position Summary

The newly forming Alfano lab focuses on the mechanisms of pathogen‑specific molecular determinants of sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. The goal of our research is to determine the factors that confer increased risk of life‑threatening sepsis to certain populations and provide novel insights for future therapeutic developments. We utilize extensive in vivo and in vitro modeling of bacterial infection in concert with both bacterial and host genetic perturbation to examine the host–bacterial interaction.

Experimental approaches involve endothelial cell culture, bacterial culturing, microscopy, flow cytometry, molecular biology, functional cell‑based in vitro assays, and in vivo murine models.

The Research Technician will work closely with the PI and other members of the laboratory in studies examining mouse models of infection and endothelial dysfunction. The technician assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation, preparation of materials, and assisting with analysis of results. This position offers the opportunity to join an innovative research team and contribute to basic and translational research projects.

• Assist with research studies in both in vitro and in vivo systems, including collection of data, preparation of reagents, set‑up and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist with the maintenance of the laboratory’s mouse colony (e.g., breeding and weaning mice, and genotyping for maintenance of genetic integrity of the colony).
• Perform data entry, maintain data files on research, and assist with analysis.
• 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 established procedures.
• Assist with general lab maintenance, including ordering and shipping.

• This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical, and BSL‑2 pathogens.
• The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Required – Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Work Experience – No specific work experience is required. The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

Skills – Blotting techniques, cell cultures, cellular biology techniques, cloning, communication, detailed reports, flow cytometry, laboratory instrumentation, microscopy techniques, molecular techniques, mouse handling, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), software proficiency, working independently.

$16.92 – $26.44 per hour.

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees.
• Defined contribution (403(b)) retirement savings plan, with employee and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, employee assistance program, financial resources, access to dietitians.

Family

• Four weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child.
• 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.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.