Research Technician II - Gastroenterology (Hepatology)

About the Role

The Schwartz Laboratory in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, at WashU Medicine in St. Louis is seeking motivated and creative scientists to join our interdisciplinary research program investigating the biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the mechanisms that allow the virus to establish and maintain chronic infection. Our long-term goal is to understand the complex interactions between HBV and its host that drive viral persistence and to use these insights to identify new strategies toward a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, which remains a major global health challenge and an important cause of liver related morbidity and mortality.

Our laboratory has a strong history of developing innovative human models of viral infection. We were among the first groups to establish hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection models using stem cell-derived hepatocytes, and we have continued to combine these systems with primary human hepatocytes, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and genetically distinct HBV clones to dissect the host and viral factors that determine infection and persistence. Recent work from the laboratory, published in Cell, identified a nucleosome-level molecular switch that primes and influences HBV infection (10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.033).

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• 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

Benefits

• Time Off: Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Health Insurance: Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Transit: Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Retirement: 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: 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Adult care resources available.
• Tuition: 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/

Pay

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.