Job Description
Position Summary
Postdoctoral Research Associate position open in the Tristan Li Lab in the Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics.
The Li Lab is broadly interested in neuroimmunology with a focus on microglial biology; additional area of expertise in microglia, neurodegeneration, single cell genomics. Particularly, the lab is interested in combining cutting-edge single-cell genomic technologies with in vitro and in vivo genetic, molecular and cellular tools to investigate microglial development, heterogeneity and mechanisms of neuro-immune interactions underlying brain structure and disease. This NIH-funded project is based on recent publications (Li et al. Neuron. 2019; Barclay et al. Biorxiv. 2024), where the postdoc candidate will use novel tools and technologies (e.g single-cell multi-omics, viral manipulation, CRISPR), to study microglial plasticity and gene regulation in neurodegeneration diseases. Additional information regarding Dr. Tristan Li and the Tristan Li Lab can be found at https://neuroscience.wustl.edu/people/tristan-qingyun-li-phd/ .
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with collaborators inside and outside the University, and develop the skills to become an independent scientist. 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.
Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):
- Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
- Develops expertise in cutting-edge technologies.
- Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
- Develops mentorship skills by training junior students and staff.
- 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 their mentor regarding possession, distribution of material, reagents, records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings, 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, research materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in biology, biomedical sciences or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experiences in molecular neuroscience, glial biology, and/or neurodegeneration are highly encouraged.
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.
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.