Research Assistant (Gap Year) - Genetics

Scheduled Hours
40

Position Summary
The Ushiki Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and how noncoding genetic variation alters gene regulation in human disease. Our work integrates functional genomics, human genetics, and in vivo experimental systems to understand enhancer function across regulatory and phenotypic scales. We develop and apply both experimental and computational approaches, including in vivo Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs), to define the sequence basis and functional consequences of enhancer activity and to expand MPRA-based approaches to other aspects of transcriptional regulation. Ongoing work in the lab is supported by an NHGRI K99/R00 award and the Preeclampsia Foundation’s Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grant. In particular, this position will contribute to projects investigating the relationship between enhancer function and transcriptional elongation, termination, and RNA processing/splicing.
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.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

For more information, please visit: https://sites.wustl.edu/ushikilab/

• 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.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/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.

Equipment

• Office equipment

• Lab equipment

Applicant Special Instructions:

Please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and long-term career goals

• Your CV

• Contact information for two to three academic references

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.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

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

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree related to life sciences.
• Basic wet lab skills such as pipetting and laboratory record keeping.
• Basic molecular biology lab experience (PCR, plasmid work and tissue culture).
• Strong skills in scientific and critical thinking.
• Computer skills: proficient with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

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

Work Experience:

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

Skills:

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

Grade
R06-H

Salary Range
$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.

Questions

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

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 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.

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

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• 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.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement
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.