Research Assistant - Pathology & Immunology

About the role

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 (basic science and translational) 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 fully 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 to the group. 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 in these exciting areas. Candidates will have an opportunity to contribute to multiple projects but will be strongly encouraged and supported, as their comfort level and experience in the lab grows, to gradually take ownership of their own project that aligns with their interests and the lab’s needs. As the inaugural members of the Persaud lab, candidates will play an important role in shaping the culture and mission of the lab. Central to that mission is supporting the career development of researchers in all roles and career stages; as such, the lab endeavors to provide a supportive, convivial, people-first environment for all who join.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
  • Experiments may include cell culture, molecular biology (including gene editing), antibody production and engineering, flow cytometry, mouse hematopoietic stem cell transplant models and in vivo stem cell mobilization.
• Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
  • Data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Collaborates with other institutions and investigators.
  • Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
  • Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Aids in general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
  • Performs literature research on specified topics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

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

Education

• Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with mouse handling and procedures is highly desirable. 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.

Experience

• Laboratory Operations (2 Years)

Skills

• Animal Restraints
• Blood Sampling
• Data Analysis
• Data Interpretations
• Document Research
• Flow Cytometry
• Genome Editing
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Laboratory Processes
• Mouse Handling
• Scientific Research
• Stem Cell Biology
• Verbal Communications
• Written Communication

Pay

$17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly