Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Norris Laboratory at WashU Medicine in St. Louis seeks a Staff Scientist to lead design and execution of research protocols in a translational neuroscience laboratory. The Norris Lab studies neural circuits at the intersections of sleep, stress, metabolism, and anesthesia, with a current focus on understanding how the brain regulates stress coping behaviors. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying coping strategies with direct implications for understanding psychiatric resilience. You will work in a professional, collaborative environment that values scientific excellence, rigorous methodology, and the professional growth of all team members.

Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, design and develop research protocols for behavioral neuroscience studies in rodent models, including experimental design, data collection procedures, and quality assurance frameworks for data management.

• Conduct and supervise behavioral experiments using advanced techniques including fiber photometry, optogenetics, and chemo genetics to measure and manipulate neural activity during stress-coping paradigms; maintain detailed, organized experimental records and databases.

• Perform sophisticated statistical and computational analysis of behavioral and electrophysiological data, including real-time sleep-state classification, behavioral quantification, and neural activity analysis; prepare clear, interpretative reports and data visualizations.

• Contribute to manuscript preparation, including data presentation, methods description, results analysis, and peer-review responses; support grant preparation and regulatory documentation as needed.

• Troubleshoot technical issues with experimental equipment and animal models; propose and implement methodological improvements in testing procedures to enhance data quality and scientific rigor.

• Conduct literature reviews to stay current with advances in stress neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, and optogenetic/fiber photometry methods.

• Maintain high standards of professionalism, scientific integrity, and safety; contribute to a collaborative, inclusive lab culture that supports excellence.

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

Education:

Master’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:

Laboratory Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

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:

Analytical Problem Solving, Behavioral Neuroscience, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, MATLAB, Optogenetics, Paradigms, Research Projects

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates w