Staff Scientist - Orthopaedic Surgery - 50568

Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

This position is full-time and works approximately 40 hours per week.

This position is in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.  This position is for the Medical School Campus.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experimental design, data analysis and documentation of experimental results.  

Specifically, this position seeks to elucidate the function and mechanism of specific non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs) in regulating progenitor cell differentiation toward the chondrocyte or osteoblast lineage. A range of molecular and cellular approaches will be utilized to determine the effects of altering non-coding RNA activity on cell metabolism and cell signaling pathways. Expertise in RNA-Seq/pathway analyses would be advantageous. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with a senior scientist in the lab who works on in vivo murine models of bone fracture repair, heterotopic ossification and osteoarthritis.

The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator to outline research goals, review relevant literature and design research protocols. They will be responsible for independently developing assays, data collection and analysis, as well as verification and management of the project.  The candidate will also present data at meetings, and assist with grant preparation and publication of results. The candidate will participate in routine daily functions of the laboratory as a team player.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for and performing collection, verification and management of data.
2. Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
3. Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports.  Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
4. Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.
5. Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects.  Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
6. Conducts literature searches related to research project.

Whether suffering from a sports injury, hip pain, back pain or any musculoskeletal condition, Washington University Orthopedics provides a full complement of comprehensive orthopedic services to meet the needs of every patient. Combining the best in both inpatient treatment and outpatient care and rehabilitation, the practice is nationally recognized for outstanding orthopedic care, innovative research and advanced professional training. It is ranked among the best orthopedic practices and holds the distinction of being listed on the Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report. The practice is considered an innovator in both conservative orthopedic care and minimally invasive microsurgical techniques. Affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University Orthopedics has the unique ability to offer inpatient treatment for the most challenging cases within a top-tier academic medical center as well as outpatient surgery and care across the St. Louis region in Chesterfield, Town & Country, South County and the Central West End. The practice offers expertise in ten orthopedic subspecialties – foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip and knee, cancer, pediatric and adolescent orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatry), shoulder and elbow, spine (including scoliosis), sports medicine and fracture care/trauma. The orthopedic specialists are dedicated to providing safe, compassionate and family-centered care for both simple and complex orthopedic conditions. Because of the skill and experience of the doctors and staff, it is the official medical provider for the St. Louis Blues hockey team, Washington University varsity athletics and several local school athletic teams. Washington University Orthopedics brings world-class care to patients from all ages and walks of life in St. Louis and the surrounding communities.

Master’s degree with four years of experience in research lab operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience equaling nine years.

• Solid basic science experience in a research lab setting.
• Relevant training in cell and molecular biology, preferably related to RNA, epigenetics, metabolism, cartilage or bone.
• Analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data and to communicate data in a clear, concise manner.
• Computer literacy, including the ability to use a variety of software packages to analyze data.

The hiring range for this position is $46,779 - $63,170 annually.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, 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.

This position is eligible for full-time benefits.  Please click the following link to view a summary of benefits:  https://wustl.box.com/s/8wkhs25yssf0775x9d6nd6vqa7obpth7.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive hazards.  The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

This position is grade R10.

Please attach a copy of your most current signed performance evaluation (completed within the last 18 months) to your online account.  If you have not received a performance evaluation, you may provide two current signed letters of recommendation (written within the last 18 months), preferably to include one letter from either a current or recent former supervisor.  To attach these documents, go to:  My Career Tools, Add Attachment, Attachment Type – Performance Reviews or Letters of Recommendation.