Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

Position Summary

We are currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow to lead research project (wet and/or dry) focused on abnormal pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and/or craniofacial birth defects (craniofacial microsomia). The research involves analyzing GWAS variants using functional genomics and mouse genetics.

Our laboratory is part of the departments of Genetics at Washington University – an institution at the forefront of genetics/genomics research, embedded in the vibrant and livable city of St. Louis. Our institution is characterized by phenomenal research support facilities in a variety of domains and a hard-working yet friendly and collaborative scientific culture.

The Ushiki lab will start in January 2025 at the Department of Genetics at Washington University in St. Louis. Our lab aims to gain a deeper understanding of the function of enhancers in placenta and skeletal development, diseases, and evolution. We employ in vivo functional characterization techniques, such as in vivo Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs), supported by an NHGRI K99/R00 grant. Our research integrates mouse developmental biology, functional genomics, and human genetics to elucidate how genetic variation in non-coding regions leads to abnormal placental or craniofacial development.

For more information, please visit our lab website at https://sites.wustl.edu/ushikilab/.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first-author publication.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the university with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.

Required Qualifications

Recent PhD and/or MD in a relevant field or equivalent experience in field (mouse genetics, genomics, developmental biology, molecular biology, computational biology, etc.).  

Preferred Qualifications

• Motivated candidates with experience in mouse genetics and/or computational genomics.
• Experience in biology-related areas.

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

When applying please submit a cover letter describing your research interests and experience, a brief plan or idea of what you would like to study in the Ushiki Lab, your long-term career goals, C.V., and contact information for three references.

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/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.