Postbaccalaureate Research Program (Time-Limited up to 2 years) – Developmental Biology, Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (DCBRM) Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Associate

This is a time-limited program of up to 2 years and is primarily aimed at applicants with fewer than 6 months of full-time research experience or are switching research fields, and are interested in applying to a PhD or MD/PhD program. This program is designed to be research focused, and participants will be expected to spend most of their time (~90%) in the laboratory of a selected mentor. However, it will also provide additional training and opportunities for participants to achieve readiness in three main areas: readiness for research, readiness for academics, and readiness for self-presentation. This will be accomplished through a curriculum that provides educational opportunities in addition to training in the laboratory. Among these will be opportunities to attend tailored workshops, seminars, research forums, graduate-level classes, workshops on preparing a Curriculum Vitae and applying to graduate school. The program does not provide additional preparation for those seeking to pursue an MD or other health-related degrees. It is expected that the participant will perform research and analysis, as well as technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials. Individuals accepted into the program will be designated as full-time paid employees for a period of up to two years and will be eligible for university sponsored benefits, including health insurance.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works under the supervision of senior personnel on research projects providing independent complex research support.
• Presents results of research activities to peers and supervisors in written and/or verbal presentation or form.
• Through active research and analysis, gains proficiency in essential aspects of research, which may include some or all of the following: conducting experiments, assays, collection of data, preparation of solutions, tissue culture, animal care and maintenance, and setup and maintenance of equipment.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Attends meetings, educational workshops and seminars to prepare for advanced study.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Physical Effort

• Sitting at desk or table.
• Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.

Equipment

• Office and lab equipment.

Applicant Special Instructions:

Please review the full application instructions on our website. Application opens December 1, 2025. All application materials should be submitted by March 1, 2026 for full consideration. Applications submitted after this date, but before May 31, 2026, will be considered for rolling admissions if spots are available. Please save your resume and the following supplemental documents as a single file and upload it where you are asked for your resume.

• Curriculum vitae or resume: Include education history, relevant research experience, volunteer or community service activities, teaching or mentoring experience, leadership experience, honors, awards, publications and anything else that you believe is pertinent. No more than 5 pages.
• Personal Statement: Provide an overview of your research interests, career goals, and why you wish to participate in this program. If you have not had previous research experience and/or scientific education, you may address it here. Please also briefly address your interest in developmental biology, cell biology, and/or regenerative medicine. No more than two pages, 11-point font (Arial or Times New Roman), one-inch margins, single-spaced.
• Faculty Mentors: Please indicate 5 preferred faculty mentors (in order of preference) and your preferred area(s) of research.
• Unofficial Transcript: Provide a copy of your unofficial transcript.

Two letters of recommendation must also be provided. If letters are not provided, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please have your letters of recommendation sent to DBRMpostbacc@email.wustl.edu by your letter writers. They should be received by March 1, 2026 for full consideration, or May 31, 2026 for rolling admissions.

April – May, 2026 – Interviews and notification of decisions.

August 16, 2026 – Program begins.

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.

Education: Bachelor's degree

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.

Analytical Thinking, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Written Communication

Grade: R07-H

Salary Range: $17.10 – $29.09 / 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.

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

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.

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.

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/

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.