Research Technician II - Otolaryngology

About the role

The Kumar lab in the Department of Otolaryngology at WashU in St. Louis is hiring 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.

Responsibilities

• Assists with experiments in auditory neuroscience.
• May assist with statistical analysis of the collected data along with figure construction.
• Suggest problem resolutions to improve research efforts.
• Affords technical support for studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Requirements

• 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.
• Affords assistance 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.

Education

• Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or Biology with 1-2 years of wet lab research experience is highly preferred. Experience in studying cortical neural plasticity is preferred.

Skills

Not Applicable

Other Information

• Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.
• Salary Range: $16.92 - $26.44 / Hourly
• 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.
• 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.