Senior Scientist - Psychiatry

Position Summary
Working at the forefront of personalized medicine, the Cruchaga lab is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the neurodegenerative diseases. We generate and analyze genetics and high-throughput multi-dimensional omic data. By using these omic data and functional genomic approaches, we aim to identify novel genetic variants, genes and pathways implicated in disease, and new molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This position collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting of research projects. We seek experienced and highly motivated individuals with a passion for scientific discovery.
Diversity is a core value at Washington University School of Medicine and in the Department of Psychiatry. We are committed to building and sustaining inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all students, staff, trainees, and faculty. We believe that building a diverse team enriches us individually and as a department by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. In order to achieve these objectives, candidates are expected to align with the school's mission of promoting inclusive excellence. They should be prepared to further this objective within Washington University and collaborate with diverse communities of students, faculty, staff, trainees, and patients. Visit our Websites to learn more about DEI initiatives in the Department of Psychiatry (https://psychiatry.wustl.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion-2/) and at WUSM (https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/).

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Works on various genetic analyses including:
  • GWAS (including imputation and QC), and post GWAS analyses (PRS, colocalization, MR…).
  • Data collection, quality control, analysis and report generation.
  • Assists in identifying and evaluating new genetic computational methods, acquiring data from public databases (e.g., AMP-AD, UK Biobank, GTEx), and providing analytical support for internal projects and external collaborations.

• Collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting of research projects.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting. May submit grant proposals in rare circumstances with the approval of the PI, Department Head and Dean.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Develops hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Manages research project with other institutions and investigators.
• Leads a team of analysts and specific projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive hazards. Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Neurogenetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistical Genetics, Biostatistics, Medical Statistics, Neuroscience, Genetics, Statistics, Mathematics or related.
• At least two years of experience working in genomics with large datasets, preferably in a research environment.
• Strong background in PLINK, QC, IBD, PCA, R, Bash and Excel or other analyses toolset.
• Experience with Python, Perl, SAS, SQL, Docker are a plus.
• Knowledge of association analyses, PRSice, Mendelian Randomization, Coloc, QTL and Unix/Linux.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Familiar working in cross-functional teams.
• Good understanding of computational biology and flexibility to work within a large dynamic scientific team.

Required Qualifications

PhD, M.D. or equivalent terminal degree and at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience equaling 12 years.

Grade
R12

Salary Range
$62,200.00 - $112,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

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

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/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.