Research Assistant (Gap Year) - Developmental Biology

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Pollina Lab at WashU in St. Louis is seeking a curious, motivated, highly organized Research Assistant (Gap Year) looking for experience in molecular neuroscience techniques. The Pollina Lab is broadly interested in identifying the molecular mechanisms that preserve longevity across the diverse cell types of the nervous system. We study mechanisms of transcriptional control and genome stability that preserve neuronal function over time and explore how these mechanisms go awry to cause aging and neurological disease. Our lab tackles these questions using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates biochemistry, single-cell genomics, cell biology, and neuronal circuit function. Specifically, we are seeking assistance for projects using mouse models to explore the role of neuronal activity in epigenome integrity.

In this position, the individual will have the opportunity to learn cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, biochemical purification of protein complexes from tissue, new imaging modalities, small animal maintenance and surgeries, and single cell transcriptomics. They will also gain experience in bioinformatic analysis of sequencing and large-scale imaging datasets. This position is ideally suited for individuals seeking to launch a career in research science or medicine. We expect to teach the biochemical, molecular biology, and neuroscience approaches that will be used.

Assists with various aspects of the research process in a laboratory setting under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel in order to gain experience to further future career opportunities. Guided activities may include literature review and initial research to identify experimental opportunities, experimental design, execution of experiments and troubleshooting, collection and analysis of data, and/or communication/presentation of results. This role is well-suited for those interested in a gap year(s) where they will be spending time in a research lab acquiring new skills under the direction of the PI and/or experienced laboratory personnel.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the PI or lab members, performs projects, experiments, data collection, and data analysis.
• Designs experiments under guidance of PI or senior lab members.
• Performs data entry and maintains lab notebook.
• Receives mentorship for activities related to career goals and objectives (i.e., PhD or MD programs).
• Under supervision, drafts materials for manuscripts, presentations, and/or posters. May present results as directed by PI.
• Reviews literature related to relevant research.
• Learns lab functions helpful in running a lab (e.g., purchasing, explaining protocols to other lab members).
• Assists in developing procedures and guidelines for the lab.
• Assists with general lab upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/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.

Equipment
Office equipment.
Lab equipment.

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

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

This position is time-limited up to no more than 3 years.

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:

Analytical Thinking, Communication, Data Entry, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Research Labs, Software Program

Grade

R06-H