Research Assistant - Neurology

Position Summary The Orr Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support an active translational neuroscience research program focused on brain aging, Alzheimer's disease, tau biology, and cellular senescence. The successful candidate will provide technical and organizational support for laboratory operations while assisting with experiments involving cell culture, molecular biology, spatial biology, and animal studies. This position is ideal for an individual seeking hands‑on research experience in an academic laboratory. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Conduct research studies, experiments and surveys. Prepare reagents, media, buffers, and laboratory solutions. Perform routine molecular biology techniques including PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, and protein/RNA extraction. Assist with tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy. May assist with mammalian cell cultures, including neuronal and iPSC‑derived cell models. May assist with rodent colony maintenance, genotyping, tissue collection, and basic animal procedures, as appropriate. Organize biological samples and maintain laboratory inventories and databases. Evaluate research results, report findings and discuss project outcomes with staff. Perform data entry and maintain data files on research. Prepare findings and draft interpretive reports/summaries for publications. Comply with established safety procedures and maintain required documentation. Coordinate research projects with other institutions and investigators. Participate in developing hypotheses to be tested and methods for testing. Assist with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance, and cleaning. Support multiple research projects across the laboratory as needed. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education. Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification or professional license is required for this position. Work Experience: Laboratory operations (2 years). Skills: Document research, laboratory processes, scientific research. Driver’s License: Not required. 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. Salary $17.10 - $29.09 per hour (Grade R07-H). Benefits Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages. Defined contribution retirement savings plan (403(b)) starting at 7%. Wellness initiatives including challenges, screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, employee assistance program, financial resources, dietitians. Family leave: 4 weeks of caregiver leave for new child and other family support. Tuition coverage for dependent undergraduate‑level college tuition up to 100% at WashU. Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington University