Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Inoue Laboratory at the Biophotonics Research Center, WashU in St. Louis, is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to support interdisciplinary research at the interface of protein engineering, optical imaging, and systems neuroscience. The successful candidate will participate in molecular biology, protein engineering, cell culture, and animal-based neuroscience experiments aimed at developing next-generation optical tools for studying brain function. The laboratory develops genetically encoded sensors and actuators for non-invasive imaging and manipulation of neural circuits, combining experimental and computational approaches including machine learning-guided protein engineering. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge neurotechnology and contribute to projects with broad impact in neuroscience and biomedical research.

The Research Technician will support ongoing research projects in molecular engineering, optical imaging, and neuroscience. Responsibilities include molecular cloning, cell culture, protein characterization, data collection and analysis, maintenance of laboratory records, and general laboratory operations. The individual may assist with small animal procedures, histology, microscopy, and the development and testing of genetically encoded sensors and other neurotechnology tools. The position requires close collaboration with laboratory members while maintaining accurate documentation and compliance with institutional research policies and procedures.

Job Description

• 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

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

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular cloning, cell culture, microscopy, image analysis, computational biology, machine learning, animal research, or viral vector techniques is desirable.
• Experience working in an academic research laboratory environment.
• The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Collaboration, Communication, Computer Applications, Computer Literacy, Data Analytics Soft