Research Assistant

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Assistant will support a neuroscience research laboratory focused on rodent models of behavior, pain, and cognition. The successful candidate will assist with animal handling, behavioral testing, surgical procedures, and post-operative care. Responsibilities also include performing tissue dissection, sectioning, immunostaining, and imaging with fluorescent and confocal microscopy. The position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow experimental protocols.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with rodent behavior experiments related to cognition, pain, and emotional processing performs rodent surgical procedures (e.g., stereotaxic surgery, injections, implants) and post-operative care

• Assists with research projects; performs independent research; plans, designs and implements research projects; prepares and maintains culture media, reagents, and experimental animals; performs various assays; sterilizes equipment; separates and purifies various materials and preforming techniques such as conducts tissue collection and dissection (brain, spinal cord, DRG, etc.), prepares and slices tissue using cryostat or vibratome, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining on tissue samples

• Sets up and operates various scientific apparatus; fluorescent and confocal microscopes; captures and processes images

• Ensures compliance with animal welfare protocols and lab safety guidelines

• Performs various clerical duties including typing, answering phones, preparing correspondence, preparing and maintaining bibliographies, and completing applications and forms, maintaining laboratory stocks and supplies

• Compiles, processes and analyzes data; records research procedures and results; files and maintains records; codes data for input for electronic data processing; inputs and retrieves data using computers

• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Broad knowledge involving laboratory techniques or other specialized knowledge is desired

• Knowledge of laboratory procedures: laboratory rodents, including handling, behavioral testing, and surgical procedures

• Knowledge of histological techniques such as tissue sectioning and immunostaining, familiarity with rodent pain and cognition models

• Ability to maintain inventories, follow experimental protocols precisely, and maintain accurate documentation

• Verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational and time management skills

• Supervisory skills- ability to train new lab members and oversee daily lab operations

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and perform basic data analysis

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous research experience in a laboratory setting, especially with animals, is strongly preferred

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.