Staff Scientist - Oncology

About the role

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

Position Summary

A Staff Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. David Russler-Germain in the Division of Oncology at WashU Medicine. Our translational lymphoma laboratory studies lymphoma biology using syngeneic and genetically engineered mouse models, in vitro systems, and analyses of primary human biospecimens (peripheral blood, tumor tissue, etc.).

This position allows for sustained scientific ownership of projects that connect mechanistic biology with clinical questions in lymphoma. Our group is collaborative and supports career growth opportunities such as authorship on publications and presenting at national meetings, as appropriate.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data. Develops, optimizes, and troubleshoots new protocols and assays. Keeps current with emerging methods and technologies, and introduces, validates, and standardizes new techniques in the laboratory.
• Independently performs complex laboratory techniques, including primary cell and cell line culture, multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based assays, and preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing.
• Designs and conducts mouse studies, including tumor and treatment studies, monitoring of research animals, and tissue harvest under approved IACUC protocols.
• Performs and directs processing and analysis of human biospecimens, including blood and tissue samples, under IRB-approved protocols.
• Collaborates with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on joint projects, contributing technical expertise and experimental continuity.
• Works with clinical investigators and collaborating laboratories, including multi-institutional consortia, to integrate laboratory findings with clinical data and specimens.
• Performs data analysis and statistical analysis, including analysis of high-dimensional flow cytometry and sequencing data.
• Contributes to scientific dissemination. This includes preparing and co-authoring manuscripts, generating preliminary data, drafting sections of grant applications and progress reports, and presenting at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and national scientific meetings.
• Maintains rigorous experimental records, protocols, and sample and data archives to ensure quality, reproducibility, and research continuity across projects and personnel transitions.
• 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 Operations (3 Years)

Skills: Not Applicable

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

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

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

Analytical Problem Solving, Cancer Biology, Cell Cultures, Cell Sorting, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Flow Cytometry, Genomics, Grant Writing, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Mouse Handling, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Python (Programming Language), R Programming, Scientific Writing, Supervision, Tissue Processing

• Grade
• R10

Salary Range $48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / 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.

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.