Research Technician II (Auditory Neuroscience) - Otolaryngology

About the role

The newly established Kumar lab in the Department of Otolaryngology at WashU in St. Louis is hiring for a Research Technician II to study the cortical mechanisms of sound-processing after noise-induced hearing loss. The Kumar lab uses in vivo two-photon imaging of auditory cortex in awake mice, optogenetics, chemo genetics, and operant behavior mouse models to identify the brain mechanisms associated with impaired hearing after loud-noise exposure. Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Assists with mice colony management
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• May assist with statistical analysis of the data collected along with figure construction.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Suggests problem resolutions to improve research efforts.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

Skills

• Communication
• Detailed Reports
• Laboratory Instrumentation
• Laboratory Research
• Software Program
• Working Independently

Pay

$16.92 - $26.44 / Hourly

Schedule

40 hours per week

Benefits

• 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 (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more.
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources and adult care resources available.
• Tuition coverage for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years.