Postdoctoral Research Associate – Pathology & Immunology Full-time

Postdoctoral Position in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Brain Aging

A postdoctoral position (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) is available in the laboratory of Dr. Sadaf Amin at WashU Medicine in St. Louis to investigate innate immune pathways in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. The Amin Lab studies the role of neuro-immune interactions in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and age-related brain disorders. We are an enthusiastic and collaborative team seeking a highly motivated individual to join our new and growing research group. Projects are available to (1) study immune–RNA crosstalk in neurodegeneration to decipher the role of maladaptive innate immune pathways in neuronal stress and death, and (2) examine how mito-nuclear retrograde signaling contributes to microglial dysfunction and senescence in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We use a combination of iPSC-based systems and transgenic mouse models coupled with novel approaches including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR–Cas9 screening, and interactome profiling. The work will contribute to our overall goal of advancing novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease. Candidates with backgrounds in computational biology, stem cell biology, or neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

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.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to Sadaf Amin at amins@wustl.edu.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in neuroscience, computational biology, cell and developmental biology, or a related discipline involving the interrogation of cellular pathways using in vitro platforms and 'omics' datasets.
• Prior experience with iPSC-based culture techniques and in vitro disease modeling (highly beneficial).
• Familiarity with transgenic mouse models and proper mouse handling techniques.
• Skills in at least one programming language (R, or Python) are strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in conducting or analyzing single-nucleus RNA sequencing data and experience with Seurat or similar gene-based association tools is encouraged.

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.

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

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of 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.