"Staff Scientist - Pediatric Surgery"

Position Summary

The Zani Lab’s mission is to advance understanding of perinatal disease mechanisms and to develop targeted regenerative and diagnostic strategies in fetal and neonatal medicine. Led by Augusto Zani, pediatric surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine, the lab investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in disease pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools. Using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, the lab studies EVs derived from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) and other perinatal sources to evaluate their capacity for tissue regeneration and early disease detection.

Our research focuses on major perinatal and neonatal diseases, with particular emphasis on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), spina bifida (SB), gastroschisis (GS), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Through these investigations, the Zani Lab aims to elucidate disease mechanisms, advance EV-based regenerative therapies, and identify biomarkers that predict disease progression and response to treatment.

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:

For more information on the lab, please visit https://surgery.wustl.edu/items/zani-lab/.

• 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

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Equipment Set Up, Experimental Methods, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Mentor Training, Technical Leadership, Tissue Cultures, Training and Development, Troubleshooting Errors

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually