Senior Scientist

Scheduled Hours40Position SummaryThe Senior Scientist in the Cremins Lab will be responsible for both oversight and implementation of specific research projects as well as participating in collaborative projects with other lab members and developing experimental protocols and experimental cell and molecular biology standards for the laboratory. The scientist will work on projects broadly encompassing genome engineering in the form of degrons, dTAG systems, Cas9, Cas13, dCas, CRISPRoff, CRISPRon, and other new molecular technologies. The scientist will also lead experiments differentiating human iPSCs to neurons or organoids. The candidate will be versatile with both genome engineering and cell biology skills for new tech dev projects, standardizing genome engineering pipelines, providing feedback to trainees on construct building, and developing publication quality workflows for the in situ sequencing data analysis. Candidate will work as a sub Team leader over the progression of genome engineering projects and be responsible for maintaining and organizing lab records, training junior scientists on technical assays, working with the PI to prepare and review manuscripts, and help with writing content for grant applications. Collaborate with the team to design, optimize, and standardize experimental and analysis pipelines to accelerate high-quality publications. Review trainee data, provide feedback, and help ensure experiments are conducted in a single variable manner with positive and negative controls. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in: culturing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); differentiation of pluripotent cells into neuronal lineages; genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9; molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular cloning); cell biology approaches (e.g., immunofluorescence, RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization); routine chromatin techniques and sequencing-based technologies (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag/CUT&RUN; Hi-C). Prior experience in mentoring and supervising students and trainees is highly desirable. Prior experience in grant writing is advantageous. This role is ideal for you if you enjoy the excitement of a bleeding-edge scientific laboratory and welcome the challenge of serving as a steady consistent imaging and computational scientist role in a fast-paced environment. Those who will thrive in the role are dedicated to collaboration and keen on playing an active role in maintaining excellent protocols, a clean, organized, and safe laboratory, and eager to lead themselves and others toward maintaining a warm, positive, and inclusive lab climate. Organized individuals with a can-do attitude, a passion for building unity and community within a larger laboratory, a knack for independent problem-solving and getting things done, and the ability to independently and positively create molecular and cellular data with attention to detail would excel in this role.Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting of research projects.Assists with grant preparation and reporting. Guides lab members to write and edit methods sections and figures for research papers where the analysis is used in the manuscript .Prepares and submits papers on research. Leads multiple papers and major research papers at the center of the laboratories larger goals.Collaborates fluidly with computational experts to conduct efficient analyses leading to discovery in mammalian neuron genome structure-function data. In parallel, trains to achieve mastery and excellence in running code written by other members of the lab to analyze genomic and imaging data, for example calling DMLs in methylation data, calling compartments, TADs, subTADs, loops in Hi-C/Micro-C data, or peak calling of Cut&Run and Cut&Tag data. Responsible for deliverables of the lab genome engineering subTeam – including, but not limited to, conceptual selection of experimental strategies, protocol development, experimental design, validation, and training of other lab members in key bleeding edge experimental cell and molecular biology assays.Develops hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it. Oversees and writes established SOPs for new and existing computational algorithms – iPSC differentiation to neurons, organoids, and assembloids.Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.Manages research project with other institutions and investigators.Performs other duties as assigned.Working Conditions:Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive 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 QualificationsEducation:Phd Or Terminal Degree Or Combination Of Education And Experience May Substitute For Minimum Education.Certifications:No specific certification is required for this position.Work Experience:Postdoctoral (3 Years)Skills:Not ApplicableDriver's License:A driver's license is not required for this position.More About This JobPreferred Qualifications:PhD in cell biology, genome engineering/biotechnology, or neuroscience is highly preferred.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, independent thinking, and a desire to work in a complex and high-energy environment with honor and respect shown to all lab members across rank and the PI.Experience in CRISPR and other forms of genome engineering is highly preferred. Experience in some combinations of human iPSC culture, brain organoids, neuron characterization, computational biology, or in vivo AAV or lentivirus injections. Some experience with the Python/R programming language, Linux environment, and cluster computing is a positive. Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking and sound judgment.Preferred QualificationsEducation:No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.Certifications:No additional certification unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.Work Experience:No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.Skills:Analytical Problem Solving, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC), Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Processes, Laboratory Techniques, Linux, Oral Communications, Python (Programming Language), Teamwork, Time Management, Working Independently, Workplace Organization, Written CommunicationGradeR12Salary Range$63, $115,000.00 / AnnuallyThe 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.QuestionsFor frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.AccommodationIf you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 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 ScreeningAll 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 StatementPersonalUp 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%.WellnessWellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and moreFamilyWe 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: EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.