Clinical Research Coordinator I - Psychiatry

Position Summary

The Aravamuthan Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on elucidating the role of striatal cholinergic interneurons in the genesis of dystonia following neonatal brain injury. Our lab focuses on mouse motor behavior characterization, neonatal brain injury model development, and systems neuroscience techniques. This project will involve assessing striatal cholinergic interneuron firing properties in different models of neonatal brain injury exhibiting different severities of movement disorders (our focus is primarily on dystonia).

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with multiple collaborators focusing neonatal brain injury, utilize state-of-the-art imaging and microscopy facilities, and develop a research project that can launch their independent careers. 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. 

Information on the lab and lab's publications can be found at aravamuthanlab.wustl.edu/ and aravamuthanlab.wustl.edu/select-publications/ .

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.
• 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.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of research responsibilities.
• 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.
• Performs collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group. Adheres 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.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with slice electrophysiology and in vivo electrophysiology.

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

Please send your CV, a pre-print or publication representative of your work thus far, and the contact information for two references including your current research supervisor, if applicable, to Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan at aravamuthanb@wustl.edu .

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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Aravamuthan Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on elucidating the role of striatal cholinergic interneurons in the genesis of dystonia following neonatal brain injury. Our lab focuses on mouse motor behavior characterization, neonatal brain injury model development, and systems neuroscience techniques. This project will involve assessing striatal cholinergic interneuron firing properties in different models of neonatal brain injury exhibiting different severities of movement disorders (our focus is primarily on dystonia).

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with multiple collaborators focusing neonatal brain injury, utilize state-of-the-art imaging and microscopy facilities, and develop a research project that can launch their independent careers. 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. 

Information on the lab and lab's publications can be found at aravamuthanlab.wustl.edu/ and aravamuthanlab.wustl.edu/select-publications/ .

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.
• 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.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of research responsibilities.
• 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.
• Performs collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group. Adheres 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.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with slice electrophysiology and in vivo electrophysiology.

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

Please send your CV, a pre-print or publication representative of your work thus far, and the contact information for two references including your current research supervisor, if applicable, to Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan at aravamuthanb@wustl.edu .

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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.