Research Assistant - Pathology & Immunology

Scheduled Hours

40 hours per week

The Persaud lab in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at WashU Medicine has an opening for a Research Assistant. Established in 2025, the lab conducts preclinical studies into optimizing the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic diseases, with emphasis on definitive therapies for non‑malignant disorders. Using both murine and humanized mouse models, the lab seeks to integrate minimally toxic antibody‑based transplant conditioning with novel stem cell mobilization regimens to optimize autologous gene therapies for sickle cell disease.

Projects to understand how antibody‑based conditioning regimens impact the biology of the transplant recipient compared to conventional conditioning regimens are also of great interest. The successful candidate will work directly with the PI and other lab members to manage the laboratory and assist in the development of new and existing research projects.

• Conduct research experiments and assays, including cell culture, molecular biology (gene editing), antibody production and engineering, flow cytometry, mouse stem cell transplant models, and in vivo stem cell mobilization.
• Evaluate research results, report findings, and discuss project outcomes with staff.
• Perform data entry and maintain data files.
• Coordinate tissue cultures, reagents, and probe tests.
• Comply with safety procedures and maintain required documentation.
• Coordinate research projects with other institutions and investigators.
• Participate in hypothesis development and experimental design.
• Assist with supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance, and cleaning.
• Conduct literature research on specified topics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Laboratory operations experience of 2 years.

• Experience with mouse handling and procedures.
• Experience in stem cell biology, hematology, and/or immunology.
• Experience with flow cytometry and CRISPR‑Cas9 gene editing.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Skills:
  
  animal restraints, blood sampling, data analysis, document research, flow cytometry, genome editing, hematology, immunology, laboratory processes, mouse handling, scientific research, stem cell biology, verbal and written communications.

Grade: R07‑H

Salary Range: $17.10 – $29.09 per hour

• 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 retirement savings plan (403(b)) 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: 4 weeks caregiver leave, family care resources, tuition coverage up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years.

All external candidates will be required to submit to pre‑employment screening, including criminal background check, drug screen, employment and education verification, and, as applicable, physical examination and required vaccinations. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity. The University’s policy provides equal opportunity for all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.