Postdoctoral Research Associate (Functional Genomics) - Psychiatry

Washington University in St Louis • Forest Park, GA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Functional Genomics of circular RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease. The Cruchaga Lab, member of the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, is recruiting a motivated, creative, self-driven Postdoctoral Research Associate to functionally characterize the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). CircRNA is a new category of non-coding RNAs that result from backsplicing events and are highly expressed in the central nervous system, especially in synapses. Recently, our group identified significant associations between circRNA expression and AD diagnosis, clinical dementia and neuropathological severity. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be mentored by Dr. Carlos Cruchaga and will focus on the identification and modification of circRNAs in in vitro models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Towards this end, various cell lines combined with molecular, cellular, biochemical and pharmacological methods will be utilized to functionally characterize AD-associated circRNAs for subsequent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. The new Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in a collegial environment and join a multidisciplinary, diverse team in a well-stablished, well-funded research group, currently 35+ dynamic members, developing bioinformatics, analyzing multi omics data and performing functional genomics analyses to explore the frontiers of AD. Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ . Recent Publications on the Subject: Dube U, et al. Nat Neurosci . 2019. PMID: 31591557 ǀ Chen HH, et al. Acta Neuropathol. Commun . 2022, PMID: 35246267 ǀ Bellenguez C, et al. Nat Genet. 2022, PMID: 35379992 ǀ Ibanez, L. Genes (Basel) . 2021. PMID: 34440421 .

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.
• No specific certification is required for this position.
• No specific work experience is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Strong background and demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or RNA biology.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, Northern and Western blotting, ELISA, qPCR, RNA/DNA delivery (e.g., mRNA, siRNA, ASO, lentivirus technology, transient transfection, loss/gain of function experiments), immunocytochemistry, light and confocal microscopy.
• Prior experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cultures is advantageous.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry, cell sorting, high-throughput screening and cell-based screening (e.g., luciferase assays, high-content imaging, massively parallel/multiplexed assays, etc.) is desirable.
• Ability to interpret and discuss experiments and critically contribute to writing of manuscripts and grant proposals is expected.
• Well-organized, able to multi-task with excellent lab bench skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Prior experience in AD or neurodegenerative diseases research is desirable.

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.
• 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 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees