Staff Scientist - Pediatric Surgery

Scheduled Hours 40

Position Summary

The Zani Lab’s mission is to advance understanding of perinatal disease mechanisms and to develop targeted regenerative and diagnostic strategies in fetal and neonatal medicine. Led by Augusto Zani, pediatric surgeon is Children’s Hospital and Professor of Surgery at WashU Medicine, the lab investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in disease pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools.

Using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, the lab studies EVs derived from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) and other perinatal sources to evaluate their capacity for tissue regeneration and early disease detection. Our research focuses on major perinatal and neonatal diseases, with particular emphasis on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), spina bifida (SB), gastroschisis (GS), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Through these investigations, the Zani Lab aims to elucidate disease mechanisms, advance EV-based regenerative therapies, and identify biomarkers that predict disease progression and response to treatment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

For more information on the lab, please visit the Zani Lab page.

• Designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data, following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator.
• Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
• Perform complex statistical analysis of data collected and write interpretative reports. Verify the correctness of the data submitted and make recommendations based on these analyses.
• Document research topics and prepare and submit papers based on research work for publication or presentation to peers.
• Solve practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggest technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.
• Conduct literature searches related to the research project.
• Perform 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 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, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Equipment Set Up, Experimental Methods, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Mentor Training, Technical Leadership, Tissue Cultures, Training and Development, Troubleshooting Errors

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

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