Staff Scientist - Developmental Biology

About the role

The Mokalled Laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable successful spinal cord regeneration and applies these discoveries to mammalian models of nervous system repair. Our research integrates zebrafish genetics, human iPSC-derived neuronal models, single-cell genomics, advanced imaging, and functional assays to identify repair-associated cell states and therapeutic targets that promote neuronal survival, axon regeneration, and recovery after spinal cord injury.

Responsibilities

• Designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports.
• Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Conducts literature searches related to research project.
• 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, or a related field.
• Experience with human iPSC-derived neuronal differentiation and culture.
• Expertise in mammalian neuronal biology, synaptic or vesicular trafficking, and advanced fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience with CRISPR, quantitative image analysis, and molecular biology techniques.
• Strong record of independent research and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• Lab Operations (3 Years)

Skills

• Analytical Problem Solving
• Communication
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis
• Data Interpretations

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.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines 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!
• Family: 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. 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.