Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology

Position Summary

Cancer genomes present an interesting and exciting challenge to address how novel and recurrent somatic changes impact the development and progression of malignancy. The Gomez lab is focused on the analysis of high throughput genomic data and the application of bioinformatic techniques with the goal of improving cancer care and developing personalized medicine techniques. Additionally, the Gomez lab has a particular focus on increasing the application of genomic tools and technologies to populations that are currently underrepresented in biomedicine. We firmly believe that everyone should benefit from the advances of precision medicine. We are dedicated to supporting equity in the application of medicine that is guided by advanced genomic technologies. 

Our research projects have the potential to cover a wide range of topics. Currently, we are working on questions related to the etiology of blood cancers - specifically lymphoma and multiple myeloma. In our current projects, we are applying single cell genetic tools to describe the transcriptomic landscape of Hodgkin lymphoma. We are also using single cell sequencing technologies to understand the biological factors that contribute to the health disparities that are associated with African Americans and multiple myeloma. 

The Gomez Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on projects related to the projects described above. We are also committed to integrating candidate research interests into the postdoc’s scope of work.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with other collaborators in the Department of Medicine including members of the Griffith and Fehniger labs. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers are 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-2/ .

Primary Duties & 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 analysis of genomic data and bioinformatic tools.
• Develops proficiency in data analysis, scientific 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.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good analytical practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with mentor regarding possession or distribution of material or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Genetics/Bioinformatics, Biomedical Science, Computer Science, or a related field
• Ability to conduct independent research.
• Comfort with command line interfaces and familiarity with one scripting language (Perl, Python, Ruby, etc.).
• Experience with statistics and data visualization packages (R, Python, etc.)
• Experience analyzing large data sets. Prior experience with sequencing data is a plus.
• Experience working in a cloud-computing environment is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Excellent record keeping and organizational skills.

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.