Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

Position Summary

The laboratories of Dr. Jeff Milbrandt and Dr. Rob Mitra invite highly motivated candidates to apply for positions as joint postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Genetics and McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University in St. Louis. These fellows will develop research programs in Personalized Medicine aimed at revealing the pathogenic mechanisms of disease-associated variants via monitoring phenotypic changes of genetically perturbed iPSC-derived neurons and glia. Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group studies the mechanistic basis of genetic abnormalities that result in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, or neurodegenerative disorders, with particular emphasis on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic deficits in disease progression. To address these questions, we use a novel multi-omics approach that integrates high-throughput imaging and machine learning methods with CRISPR/Cas9 screens and saturation mutagenesis to answer central questions about the pathophysiology that results from genetic mutations in mitochondrial proteins, chromatin regulators, and metabolic enzymes. We interpret our experiments in the context of curated clinical phenotypes and validate key findings using banked patient samples. This opportunity requires the ability to visit St. Louis for potential interviews.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biological sciences or related fields.
• Programming skills (Python and R).
• Experience in molecular biology or genomics.
• Strong communication skills.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Step 1) To apply for this position, applicants should email a single PDF file consisting of a letter of interest and CV to Dr. Jeff Milbrandt and Dr. Rob Mitra at MorphNSort@genetics.wustl.edu.

Step 2) Arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Dr. Jeff Milbrandt and Dr. Rob Mitra at MorphNSort@genetics.wustl.edu.

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/AA Statement

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.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse 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.