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Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Norris Laboratory at WashU Medicine in St. Louis seeks a Staff Scientist to lead design and execution of research protocols in a translational neuroscience laboratory. The Norris Lab studies neural circuits at the intersections of sleep, stress, metabolism, and anesthesia, with a current focus on understanding how the brain regulates stress coping behaviors. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying coping strategies with direct implications for understanding psychiatric resilience. You will work in a professional, collaborative environment that values scientific excellence, rigorous methodology, and the professional growth of all team members.
Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, design and develop research protocols for behavioral neuroscience studies in rodent models, including experimental design, data collection procedures, and quality assurance frameworks for data management.
• Conduct and supervise behavioral experiments using advanced techniques including fiber photometry, optogenetics, and chemo genetics to measure and manipulate neural activity during stress-coping paradigms; maintain detailed, organized experimental records and databases.
• Perform sophisticated statistical and computational analysis of behavioral and electrophysiological data, including real-time sleep-state classification, behavioral quantification, and neural activity analysis; prepare clear, interpretative reports and data visualizations.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, including data presentation, methods description, results analysis, and peer-review responses; support grant preparation and regulatory documentation as needed.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with experimental equipment and animal models; propose and implement methodological improvements in testing procedures to enhance data quality and scientific rigor.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay current with advances in stress neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, and optogenetic/fiber photometry methods.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, scientific integrity, and safety; contribute to a collaborative, inclusive lab culture that supports excellence.

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.

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, Behavioral Neuroscience, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, MATLAB, Optogenetics, Paradigms, Research Projects
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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 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 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.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.