Research Assistant - Rheumatology

Scheduled Hours 40 Position Summary We are building an immune receptor sequencing pipeline for autoimmune research, and we are looking for a hands-on researcher to run the assay at the bench. You will turn patient T and B cell samples into sequencing-ready paired libraries using a non-contact liquid handler, following established protocols. Success means clean RNA, reliable dispensing at tiny volumes, accurate plate tracking, and data that passes QC the first time. You will run the established library prep, handle routine troubleshooting when a run looks off, submit libraries for sequencing, and keep clean records so wet-lab output links cleanly to the analysis team. It is an ideal role for someone early in their career who wants to develop deep, reliable bench skills at the center of a growing immunology effort. Assists with research study, experiments, preparation of material, and documentation. Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Conducts research experiments and assays. Processes incoming samples, from cryopreserved PBMCs or sorted T cells to sequencing-ready paired TCR/BCR libraries, following established protocols. Runs library prep on the liquid handler. Operates the instrument for multiwell library prep and performs routine troubleshooting; escalates to senior staff when results suggest a protocol or method change is needed. Runs library QC and support sequencing submission. Performs primary QC on libraries and helps prepare and submit samples to the sequencing core. Maintains accurate records. Keeps plate maps, sample sheets, and metadata up to date so wet-lab output links cleanly to downstream analysis. Enters sample information accurately into provided templates and tracking sheets. Helps maintain reagent inventory, flags low supplies, and assists with instrument maintenance and calibration schedules. Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved. Performs data entry and maintains data files on research. Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc. Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions. Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators. Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it. Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning. Performs literature research on specified topics. 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: Bachelor’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 (2 Years) Skills: Not Applicable Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position. More About This Job Preferred Qualifications: Core bench skills: Comfortable with standard molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and PCR. Understands basic good-practice in RNA work, including avoiding degradation and contamination. Careful, methodical work: Tracks plate maps, barcodes, and sample IDs without errors. Follows written protocols closely and keeps accurate records. Maintains a clear electronic lab notebook, recording reagent lots and instrument settings so a run can be reproduced later. Prior NGS or library prep experience: Exposure to Illumina library prep, Qubit, and Bioanalyzer or TapeStation is a plus, but you will be trained on the specific workflow. Liquid handler exposure: Any experience with automated or non-contact dispensers (such as the Dispendix I.DOT) is welcome. Prior experience is not required, we will train you on the instrument. T/B cell handling: Experience with PBMC processing, sorting, or magnetic enrichment. Patient-derived samples: Familiarity with clinical samples and the chain-of-custody and consent requirements associated with them. 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: Document Research, Laboratory Processes, Scientific Research Grade R07-H Salary Range $17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget. Questions For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ. Accommodation If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at View phone number on click.appcast.io and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Pre-Employment Screening All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening. Benefits Statement Personal Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%. Wellness Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more! 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