Postdoctoral Research Associate - Infectious Diseases

Position Summary

A molecular biology/genetics position is available in the Mitreva Lab (https://mitrevalab.wustl.edu ) at the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and McDonnell Genome Institute and Washington University School of Medicine. The candidate will be part of an established and successful research group focused on integrating ‘multi-omics’ approaches aimed at understanding infectious diseases at a systems biology level. The position requires working collaboratively with a team of experimental and computational biologists focused on integrating multidimensional biological data to understand pathogen biology specifically better, ecology, host-pathogen interaction, epidemiology, transmission etc.

The candidate will work on NIH funded project(s) that focus on development of anthelminthics and generating transgenic organisms. This will be achieved by identifying and characterizing drug targets and drugs with potential to be developed as anthelminthics against human parasitic nematodes. The candidate will be responsible for leading and carrying out these innovative projects that involve establishing phenotypic screening assays, biochemical assays, assay development and optimization, transgenesis, mammalian cell culture, animal models for helminth infections. The candidate will have opportunities to travel and to present at national and international conferences.

Publications reflecting the research portfolio of Mitreva Lab: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=search&term=mitreva+m+or+mitreva-dautova+m .

Washington University School of Medicine (https://medicine.wustl.edu ) is one of the two main campuses of Washington University in St. Louis (https://wustl.edu ), a private research university founded in 1853. Mitreva Lab is in the McDonnell Genome Institute (http://genome.wustl.edu/ ) which has been at the forefront of genome research since its inception in 1993. We are a world-leader in genomics research as it applies to the study of model organisms and human biology, infections, genetic diseases, and the field of personalized medicine. We provide a value-added biologically and clinically relevant sequence analyses and foster public understanding of science through various educational and outreach efforts.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology or a related field.
• Solid background in molecular biology, molecular genetics techniques, and biostatistics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. level degree.
• Ability to be outstanding in drive, eagerness, and scientific imagination, as well as organized and self-motivated.
• Molecular biology (DNA, RNA isolation, generation of plasmid construct).
• Genetics (gene disruption, gene replacement, transgenesis/genetic screens, CRISPR/Cas).
• Microbiology (plasmid/bacterial transfections, cell culture).
• Working with animal models.
• Proficient in R and in programming languages (MATLAB, C#, and R), programs useful for high-throughput analysis (e.g., cytoscape). 

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

Interested candidates should email cover letter, curriculum vitae, summary of their research, one key first author publication and contact information for three recent references to Dr. Makedonka Mitreva, Ph.D., at [email protected] .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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 in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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.