Postdoctoral Research Associate - Otolaryngology

Washington University in St. Louis • St. Louis, MO

47d • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is now open in the Puram Lab (PI: Sidharth Puram, MD PhD) 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 (Puram et al., Cell, 2017). 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: (1) Defining expression and epigenetic heterogeneity in head and neck cancers in contexts such as metastasis, recurrence, or treatment failure, (2) dissecting the pathways and mechanisms that may underlie changes in cell states such as partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and (3) 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 required. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Skills in molecular biology, tumor sample processing, functional assays, and genomics are highly relevant (experience in bioinformatics is valued as well).

Responsibilities

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication(s).
• Develops expertise in single cell genomics/transcriptomics, molecular biology experience, biochemistry, and advanced functional assays/imaging.
• Expands 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.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Assists with grant review, preparation, and reporting.
• Independently designs and conducts experiments with the ability to analyze results critically and troubleshoot challenges, including the conscientious and ethical discharge of these responsibilities.
• Reads and reviews primary literature, with critical analysis and integration of prior and new findings into daily experimental design and project goals
• Supervises and mentors laboratory staff and graduate students as assigned, assuring appropriate study procedures, review of staff work, and teaching scientific skills.
• Provides input and suggestions to the laboratory supervisor to develop procedure manuals and operational/technical guidelines for lab studies.
• 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.

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