Posted: 12-May-23

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Internal Number: JR74721

Position Summary

Computational/Bioinformatics Postdoctoral Research (Scholar or Associate) Position Open in Dr. David Spencerâ™s Lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine.

Dr. David Spencer is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in computational biology, bioinformatic methods development to lead exciting new projects in the field of CELLULAR IMMUNOTHERAPY, MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS, AND CANCER GENETICS. The Spencer lab studies the genetics and genomics of cancer and has published articles in Cancer Cell, Cell, Leukemia, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The lab has extensive expertise in both computational biology and bench science is a key member of the cancer genomics group at Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Spencer has received funding from ASH, the Cancer Research Foundation, Doris Duke, Siteman Cancer Research Fund, and the NCI, and has extensive collaborations with the McDonnell Genome Institute and investigators funded by the Genomics of AML Program Project Grant.

This Postdoctoral Researcher position will play a lead role in a newly funded project that will develop tools and methodologies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of genome edited cellular immunotherapies for cancer using genome sequencing. Responsibilities will be to design and implement new bioinformatic software approaches for analyzing whole-genome sequencing of cellular therapies generated using CRISP/Cas9 and other genome editing technologies. Prior experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, and/or software development is required. Experience with wet lab molecular biology is a plus. In addition to this specific project, there will be opportunities to be involved in the labâ™s general studies of cancer genomics and epigenetics. Authorship on high-profile publications that result from this work is expected.

The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Spencer on a day-to-day basis, allowing for close mentorship to promote career development, including an independent research program and external funding. Further career and professional development training provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

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.
• Further development of custom software for analyzing genome editing in cellular therapies (e.g., CAR-T cells).
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including 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.
• Conscientious discharge of his/her research responsibilities.
• Maintain conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintain compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engage in open and timely discussion with his/her mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, 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.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in computational biology, statistics, human genetics or genomics, or a related field.
• Expertise in bioinformatics, including scripting and software development in R, Python, Perl, C++ or similar languages is required.
• Experience or familiarity with wet lab molecular biology would be highly valued, specifically PCR, NGS, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Experience with workflow languages (WDL, CWL, Snakemake, Nextflow) is a plus.
• Prior experience with machine learning and probabilistic modeling is a plus.

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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  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 Universityâ™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 â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Create a Job Alert for Similar Jobs
Logo
About Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis, a medium-sized, independent university, is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The University offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs. The faculty is composed of scholars, scientists, artists and members of the learned professions. They serve society by teaching; by adding to the store of human art, creativity, understanding, and wisdom; and by providing direct services, such as health care.
Connections working at Washington University in St. Louis
More Jobs from This Employer
https://main.hercjobs.org/jobs/18574274/postdoctoral-research-associate-oncology
Return to Search Results