Research Technician II - Radiology

Position Summary

The Inoue Laboratory at the Biophotonics Research Center, WashU in St. Louis, is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to support interdisciplinary research at the interface of protein engineering, optical imaging, and systems neuroscience. The successful candidate will participate in molecular biology, protein engineering, cell culture, and animal-based neuroscience experiments aimed at developing next‑generation optical tools for studying brain function. The laboratory develops genetically encoded sensors and actuators for non‑invasive imaging and manipulation of neural circuits, combining experimental and computational approaches—including machine learning–guided protein engineering.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in cutting‑edge neurotechnology and contribute to projects with broad impact in neuroscience and biomedical research.

Scheduled

Hours:

40 hours per week

Support ongoing research projects in molecular engineering, optical imaging, and neuroscience.

Responsibilities include:

• Molecular cloning, cell culture, protein characterization, data collection and analysis, and maintenance of laboratory records.
• Assisting with small animal procedures, histology, microscopy, and the development and testing of genetically encoded sensors and other neurotechnology tools.
• Preparing tissue cultures, reagents, and probe tests; preparing solutions and maintaining equipment.
• Performing data entry and maintaining research data files.
• Complying with established safety procedures and maintaining documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensuring lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained per established procedures.
• Assisting with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

• Laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Physical ability to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or combination of education and experience may substitute.

Experience

• Previous research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular cloning, cell culture, microscopy, image analysis, computational biology, machine learning, animal research, or viral vector techniques desirable.
• Up to one year of laboratory experience preferred.

Skills

• Collaboration, communication, computer applications, computer literacy, data analytics software.
• Detail-oriented, laboratory instrumentation, laboratory research, recordkeeping.
• Multiple project management, organizing, prioritization of tasks, software programs.
• Team collaboration, willingness to learn, working independently.

All external candidates receiving an offer will be required to complete background screening, including criminal background check, drug screen, employment and education verification, physical examination, and vaccination requirements as applicable.

$16.92 – $26.44 per hour (within university grade R06‑H).

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copay/coinsurance.
• Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees.
• Defined contribution (403(b)) retirement savings plan starting at 7% employee contribution.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, employee assistance program.
• 4 weeks caregiver leave; family care resources; tuition coverage for employees and families.

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.