Postdoctoral Research Associate | Ahmed Laboratory

Washington State University • Spokane, WA

3d • $59,120 - $64,356 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Washington State University in Spokane, Washington, working with Dr. Salah Ahmed, you will focus on research and data collection to support the study of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis. For related work of Dr. Ahmed`s laboratory please see the following link: https://pharmacy.wsu.edu/about/directory/wsu-profile/salah.ahmed/ In this position, you will support laboratory research focused on understanding the mechanisms by which small-molecule inhibitors and therapeutic antibodies modulate autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Responsibilities include designing and performing complex experimental studies using primary human cell cultures and a range of immunological and molecular biology techniques. You will investigate signaling pathways through methods such as Western blotting, cell staining and sorting, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), RT-PCR, and bioinformatics analysis. The role also involves working with animal models of autoimmune diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus, as well as isolating and culturing primary human cells. Additional responsibilities include analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting findings at scientific conferences. You will also contribute to mentoring and training graduate-level students and assist the principal investigator in the development of grant proposals. The research aims to evaluate the efficacy of natural compounds, synthetic molecules, and biologic therapies in regulating proinflammatory cytokine-driven signaling pathways.
This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary, overtime eligible position. Screening Begin Date: The screening of application materials will begin May 1, 2026. This is a temporary position expected to end 12 months after the hire date. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Annual Salary: $59,120 - $64,356 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Requirements

• Candidates should have earned a Ph.D. degree in Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, or Data Science.
• A proven track record and publications in conducting computational data analyses (genomics/multi-omics).
• Candidates are expected to be self-motivated.
• Strong oral/written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, scRNA-seq, and other sequencing data analysis is highly desired.
• Experience in lentiviral transfections and Site-Directed Mutagenesis studies is a plus.
• Experience with knockout mouse models is desired.

Responsibilities

• Designing and performing complex experimental studies using primary human cell cultures and a range of immunological and molecular biology techniques.
• Investigating signaling pathways through methods such as Western blotting, cell staining and sorting, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), RT-PCR, and bioinformatics analysis.
• Working with animal models of autoimmune diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus, as well as isolating and culturing primary human cells.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data
• Preparing manuscripts for publication
• Presenting findings at scientific conferences.
• Contributing to mentoring and training graduate-level students
• Assisting the principal investigator in the development of grant proposals.

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees