Research Technician II - Biochemistry

About this role

Location ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

 Scheduled Hours 40

Position Summary The Ghanbarpour Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join our interdisciplinary research program.

Our lab investigates how bacteria and human mitochondria maintain homeostasis and respond to stress and environmental challenges. A central focus of our research is uncovering the molecular mechanisms of ATP-dependent AAA proteolytic machines, both soluble and membrane-spanning, and their accessory factors in bacterial and mitochondrial systems. We study how these complexes assemble, achieve substrate specificity, and promote bacterial recovery from antibiotic stress, environmental changes, and pathogen attack. These efforts integrate cryo-EM and cryo-ET structural biology, biochemical and cellular assays, and mass spectrometry.

The lab also explores bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infection, including rewiring of proteolytic systems and the deployment of innate immune strategies that enable survival during phage attack. In addition, another major focus of our research is protein engineering and the development of new molecular tools based on these proteolytic systems.

As a Research Technician, you will receive extensive hands-on training in cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis, heterogeneity analysis tools, mass spectrometry, membrane biology, biochemistry, and cellular assays. The Ghanbarpour Laboratory and WashU Medicine provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for structural biology, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry, along with a highly collaborative research environment.

This position is well suited for individuals planning to pursue graduate school, medical school, or a research-focused academic career. The position is supported by NIH grant R35GM160328, the Longer Life Foundation, and Washington University startup funds.

Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.

Related papers:

1. Zhang T.; Barbosa R.; Ghanbarpour, A.; Laub, T. M.; Activation of a bacterial immunity protein via supramolecular assembly with multiple phage triggers, Nature (2026). 2. Iqbal, N.; Keller, S.; Ghanbarpour, A. Structural plasticity of the membrane-bound protein degradation assembly supports bacterial adaptation to stress. Biorxiv, 2025. 3. Ghanbarpour, A.; Telusma, B.; Powell, B.; Zhang, J. J.; Bolstad, I.; Vargas, C.; Keller, S.; Baker, T. A; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; An asymmetric nautilus-like HflK/C assembly controls FtsH proteolysis of membrane proteins, The EMBO Journal, 44, 2501 (2025). 4. Ghanbarpour, A.; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; A proteolytic AAA+ machine poised to unfold a protein substrate, Nature Communications, 15, 9681 (2024).

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.

• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.

• Prepares tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.

• Complies 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 with general lab maintenance and cleaning.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: • This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. 

• The individual 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: Bachelor’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: No specific work experience is required for this position. Skills: Not Applicable Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job Preferred Qualifications: • The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting. • Experience in biochemistry, genetic microbiology, cell biology, or protein engineering.

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, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Software Program, Working Independently

Grade R06-H

Salary Range Base pay is commensurate with experience.

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.

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