Research Assistant (Gap Year) - Surgery

Position Summary Position will be involved in working with and creating bioengineering platforms and research for tissue regeneration, focusing on head-to-toe basic science and preclinical research topics relevant to plastic surgery. Will contribute to research in this domain working with faculty including Drs. Justin Sacks, Xiaowei Li and Matthew Wood. Will be involved in molecular biology and bioengineering assays in a wet-lab setting. 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. Scheduled Hours 40 hours per week. 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 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. Education Required Qualifications: 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 Analytical Thinking Communication Data Entry Detail-Oriented Laboratory Instrumentation Research Labs Software Program 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 No additional education, certifications, or work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Grade R06-H Salary Range $16.92 - $26.44 hourly. 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. Family: We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered. WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us. EEO Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington University in St. Louis