Senior Research Technician - Medical Oncology

About the role

• Location
• SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110
• Scheduled Hours
• 40

Position Summary

A Senior Research Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. John DiPersio, with direct reporting to Dr. Jerry Xiang. This position is part of a translational cell therapy program focused on advancing next-generation immunotherapies from discovery through IND-enabling studies and clinical translation.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of discovery and translation, contributing to projects involving CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited CAR-T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies. Ongoing efforts are directed toward IND-enabling studies, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing cell therapies from bench to clinic.

Will assist in developing and supporting the design and execution of experiments, including the generation and functional evaluation of engineered immune cells in preclinical mouse models. This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to projects with direct clinical impact. Our group is highly collaborative and offers a supportive, well-resourced setting with strong opportunities for professional growth.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs complex analysis/projects according to research protocols, explaining methods and procedures to other technicians.
• Enters data and maintains current data files on research projects. Monitors data to ensure consistent quality.
• May perform preliminary statistical analysis of data.
• Assures compliance with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists in the training and development of technicians, acting as a group leader.
• 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.

Additional information

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

Master's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications /Professional Licenses

• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
• Work Experience: Laboratory Setting (1 Year)

Skills: Not Applicable

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-motivated candidates with a solid background in molecular and cellular biology, preferably with knowledge and prior experience in cancer biology and/or genomics.
• Previous work experience with mice is preferred, including handling, injections, and other small animal procedures.
• Proficient with standard laboratory techniques including cell culture, protein biochemistry, and flow cytometry.
• Prior experience in basic or translational lab settings.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others is essential.
• Ability to perform, troubleshoot, and analyze experimental data.
• Excellent record-keeping and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.

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

• Communication, Laboratory Instrumentation, Recordkeeping, Software Program, Working Independently
• Grade
• R08-H

Salary Range $18.77 - $31.94 / Hourly

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.

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 or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 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

• 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.