Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiation Oncology

Washington University in St Louis • Forest Park, GA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

A full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD’s NIH-funded laboratory in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The laboratory studies radiation effects on the heart, lungs, and tumors. Its goals are to understand and prevent radiation-induced cardiac and pulmonary injury in cancer patients, develop localized cardiac radiation as a therapy for cardiac disease, and identify approaches—including dietary and metabolic strategies—to enhance radiation therapy in tumors.

Research uses rodent models of heart failure, pulmonary toxicity, and cancer; image-guided small-animal irradiation; and cell, iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte, and organoid systems. Methods include single-nucleus RNA sequencing, proteomics, and flow cytometry. The laboratory collaborates with cardiology, immunology, imaging, and clinical investigators, and offers opportunities to connect preclinical findings to ongoing clinical studies. The position is intended for a highly motivated, independent scientist pursuing a career in translational research. Bioinformatics expertise, particularly in single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptomics, is a strong plus.

The associate trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor, designs, conducts, and analyzes in vivo and in vitro experiments—including analysis of large sequencing datasets—writes manuscripts and grant applications, presents findings at national meetings, mentors students and research staff, and performs other duties as assigned.

The position is based in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The employee must be physically able to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals. Base pay is commensurate with experience. Applications should include a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, a CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is available beginning February 1, 2027.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Physical ability to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in radiation biology, cardiovascular, cancer, or molecular biology, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, or a related field, awarded within the past three years or expected before the start date.
• First-author publications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with rodent models.
• Bioinformatics experience, such as single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomic analysis.
• Experience with flow cytometry, immunostaining, molecular biology, primary cell culture, or organoid culture.
• Collaboration, data analysis and interpretation, experimentation, laboratory operations and techniques, researching, results reporting, and scientific writing.
• Bioinformatics expertise, particularly in single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptomics.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments, including analysis of large sequencing datasets.
• Write manuscripts and grant applications.
• Present findings at national meetings.
• Mentor students and research staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package; eligibility depends on employment status, FTE workload, and weekly standard hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree