Research Lab Technician II - Biology

at  Washington University in St Louis

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kautt Lab seeks a skilled Research Lab Technician. The lab employs an integrative approach, combining evolutionary genomics with molecular experiments, behavioral assays, and fieldwork to study how organisms adapt to their environment. Our study systems are deer mice and soon crayfish.
The Research Lab Technician will assist the PI in setting up the wet lab, perform laboratory maintenance tasks under minimal supervision, and work in consultation with senior researchers to assist laboratory molecular and behavioral experiments. May perform a variety of animal care and laboratory safety techniques independently, reporting results to supervisor or other lab personnel. There may be opportunities for training in a variety of support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the research needs as well as interests of the candidate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S./M.S. degree in biology, veterinary sciences or related science.
• Experience with applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, is highly preferred.
• Understands and follows good laboratory practices including recordkeeping.
• Responsible, self-motivated and detail oriented, with excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective verbal and written skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a laboratory or research setting equaling 4 years may substitute for this requirement.

• Performs laboratory maintenance tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis such as autoclaving, waste compliance, supply inventories, ordering consumables and equipment, freezer organization, shipping and receiving, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required.
• Maintains laboratory safety protocols and records, adhering to all EH&S and other regulatory oversights, attends regular safety meetings and disseminates necessary information to the lab.
• Under direction may perform laboratory behavioral and molecular experiments utilizing specific and proscribed techniques and equipment to further existing, ongoing lab research projects.
• Coordinates and carries out multiple aspects of animal colony maintenance for both deer mice and crayfish, including, but not limited to, setting up breeding pairs, litter/egg checks, weaning, feeding, and tank cleaning.
• Assists PI with ensuring adherence to all animal welfare regulatory oversights.
• Under direction may be asked to process, organize, summarize, and analyze data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms.
• Contributes to unit goals by undertaking other duties as required.
• Will attend team meetings for experimental planning.