Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Greer lab is interested in how non-genetic information can be transmitted across generations and how non-genetic information regulates complex phenotypes. An increasing number of complex phenotypes, such as physical appearance, energy metabolism, psychological state, and longevity, have recently been shown to be regulated, in part, by epigenetic information. Epigenetics describes how gene expression changes occur without changes to the DNA sequence. Proteins, RNA molecules, or chemical modifications to histones or DNA can induce these epigenetic changes. How this information, which is not directly coded in our DNA, is passed from generation to generation is still unknown. Understanding the molecular determinants of stable epigenetic memory will provide insight into how environmental changes can affect the health and lifespan of not only the individual who experiences them, but also of their progeny. Our goals are to identify epigenetic inheritance phenotypes and to elucidate the mechanisms behind their transmission across generations. We also aim to understand how epigenetic mis-regulation can cause developmental defects and disease. In the Greer lab we use the nematode C. elegans, the social amoeba Dictyostelium, mice, and mammalian tissue culture systems to study how non-genetic information can be transmitted across generations as well as to understand the role of non-genetic information in regulating a variety of biological processes. We use a wide variety of genetic, biochemical, and molecular techniques to decipher these complex question. Some experiments would entail worm, Dictyostelium, or mouse husbandry, extracting gDNA and proteins from worm and tissue samples, running dot blots and western blots, purifying proteins and testing their enzymatic activity. The Greer lab strives to be a place of fun, collegiality, and collaboration.

Assists with laboratory duties in a research setting; performs routine tests with direction from the supervisor, manager or higher-level technician.

Job Description

• Assists the investigator or higher-level technician with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintains files on research and assists with data entry.
• Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
• 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:

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

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:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifactions:

• Prior research experience with any of the following: tissue culture, C. elegans, Dictyostelium discoideum, or mice.

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:

Detailed Reports, Software Program

Grade

R04-H

Salary Range

$16.54 - $22.35 / HourlyThe 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 [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 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!

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.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

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.