Research Assistant (Gap Year) - Developmental Biology

Position Summary

Throughout our lives, our neurons retain a remarkable level of plasticity that facilitates learning, memory, and behavior. As animals encounter new sensory stimuli and learn complex behaviors, these experiences trigger changes in neuronal activity patterns that drive dynamic alterations to the transcriptome, epigenome, and the genome itself. In the Pollina lab, we aim to identify mechanisms of transcriptional control and epigenome integrity that preserve neuronal function over time and to understand how these mechanisms go awry in aging and neurological disease.

Assists with various aspects of the research process in a laboratory setting under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel in order to gain experience to further future career opportunities. Guided activities may include literature review and initial research to identify experimental opportunities, experimental design, execution of experiments and troubleshooting, collection and analysis of data, and/or communication/presentation of results.

This role is well-suited for those interested in a gap year(s) where they will be spending time in a research lab acquiring new skills under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel.

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

40

• Under the direction of the PI or lab members, performs projects, experiments, data collection, and data analysis.
• Designs experiments under guidance of PI or senior lab members.
• Performs data entry and maintains lab notebook.
• Receives mentorship for activities related to career goals and objectives (i.e., PhD or MD programs).
• Under supervision, drafts materials for manuscripts, presentations, and/or posters. May present results as directed by PI.
• Reviews literature related to relevant research.
• Learns lab functions helpful in running a lab (e.g., purchasing, explaining protocols to other lab members).
• Assists in developing procedures and guidelines for the lab.
• Assists with general lab upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• Office equipment
• Lab equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Bachelor's degree

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Not Applicable

A driver's license is not required for this position.

This position is time-limited up to no more than 3 years.

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Analytical Thinking, Communication, Data Entry, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Research Labs, Software Program

R06-H

$16.92 - $26.44 / 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.

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email Candidate Questions or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at  and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

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…