Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pediatrics Hematology and Oncology

Position Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Melissa Mavers studies graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), an immune-mediated complication of stem cell transplantation. Through transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional analyses of immune regulatory cells, the Mavers Lab seeks to enhance understanding of the role of immunosuppressive cells in GVHD. Her laboratory has the goal of using a bench-to-bedside approach for developing a cellular therapy for GVHD, engineering viable approaches to prevention and cure.

The Mavers Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the role of human and murine invariant natural killer T cells in GVHD, which have particular promise as a therapeutic. The appointment is viewed as a training or transitional period preparatory to an academic, industrial, governmental, or other full-time research or teaching career. The successful candidate will take ownership of their research project(s) and drive the project(s) forward through well-designed experimentation and data interpretation, while maintaining high work ethics. In this position, the candidate will have the opportunity to engage in research using advanced immunologic techniques, including mouse and xenograft models, transgene delivery and/or gene editing, immunologic assays, and single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics. In addition to further technical training opportunities, Dr. Mavers assists in growing your scientific acumen and professional repertoire, as well as career mentorship and sponsorship.

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

• Independently performs experiments and data analysis, putting results into context within the literature of the field (with guidance from PI).
• Designs experiments employing immunologic assays and GVHD models to evaluate invariant natural killer T cell function.
• Optimizes transgene delivery to engineer invariant natural killer T cells for enhanced GVHD suppression.
• Presents data at conferences and writes research papers. Writes and submits grant proposals.
• Facilitates collaborative projects in which the laboratory is engaged, as related to the postdoctoral research associate’s project(s).
• Assists the PI in maintaining a laboratory environment of growth and support with an inclusive culture, including training and mentoring research staff and students.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive research experience in immunology (preferred) and/or cell biology, molecular biology.
• Previous experience with analysis of immune cells, use of pre-clinical GVHD models, and/or lentiviral transduction/CRISPR will be considered an advantage.

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.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

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.