Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiation Oncology

Position Summary

A fully funded Postdoctoral Fellowship is available in the Schwarz Laboratory within the Cancer Biology Division and Department of Radiation Oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA. We seek a highly motivated, creative, independent, and enthusiastic immunologist to drive human translational and functional genomic studies of the effect of cancer therapies on the tumor immune microenvironment. The ideal candidate will have experience in mouse and or human tumor immunology to assist us in new focused studies of immunometabolism supported by a newly funded team science U54 grant (reporter.nih.gov/search/iutveDimj0COoB6WTKM1hQ/project-details/10715019 ).

Specifically, we will be using single cell and spatially resolved approaches to analyze human tumor specimens collected before and during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Platforms employed include WES, WGS, bulk RNASeq, snRNASeq, snATACSeq, proteomics (Surequant and CODEX) and metabolite imaging using NIMS. We will then prioritize newly identified targets from the human translational data and perform functional studies of the relevant cell types (beginning with macrophages and T cells) using mouse tumor models in vitro and in vivo. Key competencies for success in this position include thorough knowledge of human and mouse immunology, bioinformatics pipelines, including single cell and CYTOF, mouse genetics, flow cytometry and in vitro immunological assays and co-culture techniques. Additional knowledge specifically of immunometabolism of a particular immunological cell type is encouraged. Opportunity exists to grow this project beyond macrophages and T cells into other cell types and tumor model systems.

Our research program provides a highly collaborative and supportive training environment to develop and foster independent careers. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to use novel multi-omics approaches to fully characterize molecular mechanisms with direct relevance to human disease. Responsibilities will include experimental design, execution, data analysis, and manuscript and grant preparation, written and oral presentations with multiple opportunities for presentations at local, national, and international scientific meetings. For the right candidate this represents a significant opportunity for career development, with the option to develop one’s own grant proposals to support future lines investigation.

The newly funded U54 grant comes with its own opportunities for career development and networking within the ROBIN network. Our WashU collaborators for this work include the following labs: Edelson, DeNardo, Patti, Major, Zhang and Ding. Network wide collaborators include Silvia Formenti (Cornell), Tim Chan (Cleveland Clinic), Daphne Haas Kogan (Harvard) and Phuoc Tran (Maryland). The network sponsors virtual and in person scientific exchanges with these other sites which represents a significant career development and networking opportunity.

For more information on the lab, please visit https://schwarzlab.wustl.edu/ .

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

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.