Senior Scientist - Neuroscience

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Dr. Yao Chen’s laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine is seeking a motivated and curious scientist for a full-time senior scientist position. Our laboratory conducts fundamental research to understand how dynamics of molecular signals contribute to neuromodulator actions and sleep functions. We employ a wide variety of techniques ex vivo and in vivo, including advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and behavior analysis. The principal investigator is committed to fostering a lab culture that promotes equity, kindness, rigor, and creativity.
This position collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting of research projects.

For further information on the lab please visit https://sites.wustl.edu/yaochenlab/.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Manages research project with other institutions and investigators.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting. May submit grant proposals in rare circumstances with the approval of the PI, Department Head and Dean.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Collaborates with the PI on the design, conduct and reporting of research projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in oral and written form with all levels of personnel and technical publications.
• Analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Programming experience and engineering aptitude.
• Ability to work well independently or as a team member.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of standard laboratory policies, procedures and equipment.
• Extensive experience with optical imaging or electrophysiology – understanding basic principles, able to perform and troubleshoot experiments.

Required Qualifications

PhD, M.D. or equivalent terminal degree and at least three years of postdoctoral experience or a combination of education and experience equaling twelve years.

Grade

R12

Salary Range

$61,000.00 - $110,600.00 / Annually

The 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.

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.

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

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

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/AA Statement

Washington 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.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse 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.