Staff Scientist - Nutritional Science

Position Summary

A Staff Scientist position is now open in the Finck Lab (PI: Professor Brian Finck) at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nutritional Science and Obesity Medicine.

Our research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial metabolism in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and other organs. We use molecular and cellular biological approaches in addition to substantial work conducted in mouse models of metabolic disease. Current projects are focused on the regulation of mitochondrial pyruvate and amino acid metabolism and how this impacts metabolic dysfunction in obesity.

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our team to study how phosphorylation of key regulatory enzymes regulates branched chain amino acid metabolism. The position calls for an individual who is seeking to advance their skill set and depth of knowledge, along with finely honing their existing research skills. Successful applicants will be able to design and conduct experiments using molecular and cellular biological techniques and genetically engineered mouse models. The Staff Scientist will also assist in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Conducts literature searches related to research project.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Molecular biological techniques including RNA (qRT-PCR) and protein (western blotting) quantification.
• Cell culture techniques.
• Mouse experimentation skills.

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually