Postdoctoral Research Associate – Otolaryngology Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position

A postdoctoral research associate position is now open in the Puram Lab at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, integrated into the Departments of Genetics and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Our research is dedicated to describing and investigating the mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity in head and neck cancers (squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland cancers, and other tumors). We have advanced the application of single cell sequencing technologies to rigorously pursue this research, with our work providing the first detailed atlas of an epithelial tumor through studies of head and neck cancer patients.

We are seeking a highly motivated, hard working, rigorous, and curious post-doctoral fellow who aspires to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on fundamental challenges in tumor biology including dysregulated signaling, metastasis, treatment resistance, and recurrence. The post-doctoral position calls for an individual who is seeking to advance their skill set and depth of knowledge, along with finely honing their existing research skills. This person will perform and oversee 2-3 major research projects, collaborating on other projects as necessary. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastically seeking a position that fosters their own scientific growth and development as well as ability to contribute to both fundamental and translational science.

Potential projects include: defining expression and epigenetic heterogeneity in head and neck cancers in contexts such as metastasis, recurrence, or treatment failure; dissecting the pathways and mechanisms that may underlie changes in cell states such as partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; and establishing novel model of human tumors (e.g., PDX) and using these to advance mechanistic studies as well as directly comparing them to patient samples. Tissue culture, genome editing, invasion/proliferation assays, and biochemistry approaches (western blot, co-IP, etc.) are heavily relied upon techniques.

Applicants should have a PhD and demonstrate relevant research experience in cancer biology, with a strong track record of prior success and prior first-author (or co-first) publications. Excellent collaborative skills, communication, and independent scientific thinking are essential. Skills in molecular biology, tumor sample processing, functional assays, and genomics are highly relevant (experience in bioinformatics is valued as well).

WashU Medicine is a top 10 medical school, offering a highly interactive and stimulating environment for scientists in training. Post-doctoral candidates will benefit from the extremely collaborative environments of the Departments of Genetics and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as well as the vibrant scientific community within the Couch Biomedical Research Building. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. WashU is located in the Central West End, a chic and trendy neighborhood adjacent to major restaurants and the largest park in the US (Forest Park). We offer a competitive salary and benefits consistent with NIH guidelines.