Postdoctoral Research Associate - Program in Physical Therapy

Position Summary

The Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate to join the Integrative Muscle Physiology research group led by Gretchen Meyer, PhD. Our lab investigates the cellular basis for muscle pathology - utilizing novel cell culture systems, mechanistic animal models and human tissues to link cellular dysfunction to biomechanical impairments. Our interdisciplinary, interactive environment promotes collaborations within and outside the group with scientists and clinicians. The successful applicant shares our passion for rigorous, translationally-relevant research, and will contribute to all aspects of the research process including brainstorming, experimental design, data collection and processing, data management, statistical analysis, and dissemination.

Additional Information

• Gretchen Meyer, PhD: https://pt.wustl.edu/people/gretchen-a-meyer-phd/

• Integrative Muscle Physiology group: https://sites.wustl.edu/meyerlab/

• Washington University Program in Physical Therapy (WUPT): https://pt.wustl.edu

• Being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis: https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with the principal investigator and research team towards achieving career goals.

• Works with the principal investigator and research team members to successfully execute the aims of ongoing research studies.

• With consultation with the PI, designs, executes and troubleshoots experiments.

• Conducts literature searches and formulates impactful scientific questions related to ongoing research projects.

• Disseminates research findings through presentations, abstracts, and manuscripts both within and outside the University.

• Develops own and assists with ongoing grant submissions and reporting.

• Complies with ethical standards and good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.

• Provides guidance and mentorship to more junior lab members.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in muscle physiology or regenerative medicine.

• Experience in multiple aspects of musculoskeletal research in mouse models and/or cell culture.

• Experience managing an animal colony.

• Experience with standard wet-lab experimental techniques (e.g., histology, PCR, western blot).

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and be committed to being a lifelong learner.

• Most importantly, it is desirable that the candidate is a good teammate and exhibits kindness, curiosity, creativity, and determination. We are looking for someone who can be our colleague, benefit from our mentorship, and continue to work with us as their career matures.

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 commensurate with experience based on the NIH-pay scale for post-docs.

Applicant Special Instructions

Qualified candidates are encouraged to email Gretchen Meyer PhD ([email protected]) for more information. Materials to send to Dr. Meyer and to submit through the electronic submission system are:

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Personal statement (2-3) pages regarding career goals, research experience and interests, and objectives for postdoctoral training.

• Three letters of reference that speak to your PhD training and potential for a science career.

Applications may be submitted without the letters of reference; letters will be needed when an applicant progresses to the interview stage. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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.