Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Department of Surgery at WashU in St. Louis is seeking an experienced Research Specialist to jointly serve the Endocrine Neoplasia Research Group (ENRG) and the Solid Tumor and Tissue Bank Registry (STTBR). These two groups foster a collaborative network including three MD physician-scientists, three scientists, three research assistants, biostatisticians, and surgical residents. The ENRG and STTBR collectively operate out of 2700 square feet of recently renovated lab space in the heart of the WashU medical campus.

The Research Specialist will provide critically complex research and experimentation that advances scientific analysis and discovery. This role includes acting as a subject matter expert, offering support, training, and guidance to other research staff, particularly in the areas of transgenic mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and organoid model generation. The ENRG adopts a “bedside to bench” approach, leveraging access to human endocrine tumor samples, cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies, high throughput signaling assays, and transgenic mouse models to study endocrine neoplasia. This role will be pivotal in advancing ongoing projects, including the genomics and clonal diversity of parathyroid tumors and the molecular pharmacology of calcium sensing and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

Both the ENRG and the STTBR are a vital part of the Department of Surgery, which is the second-highest NIH-funded department of surgery in the U.S., with over $24M in annual NIH expenditures. The lab has been well-supported by NIH funding (including 3 R01s, 1 R21, 2 K awards, and a T32) as well as society and industry support.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI, particularly in areas involving transgenic mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and molecular assays. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.

• Provides transgenic mouse colony maintenance and husbandry, genotyping and biochemical assessments and analysis. Continues the STTBR’s PDX production and established pipeline analysis. 

• Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.

• Manages daily surgical operations, including mouse house management, surgical pre-operative set -up, animal identification, ordering supplies, sample processing, and equipment maintenance.

• Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/ procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.

• Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.

• Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.

• Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.

• May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.

Working Conditions:

• 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.

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