Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the research group of Dr. Rachel Penczykowski at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). The postdoc will work on an NSF-funded project investigating how climate warming changes the ecology and evolution of fungal pathogens.

The postdoctoral research associate will lead sequencing and de novo assembly of the genome of a powdery mildew pathogen (Golovinomyces Sordidus) that infects common weedy plants in the genus Plantago. The assembled genome will be leveraged to test hypotheses about effects of climate on spatial and temporal patterns of pathogen genotypic diversity and to test for genotype-environment associations. We have a large and expanding collection of powdery mildew samples collected in each of several years from dozens of populations along a latitudinal gradient, ready for sequencing and analysis! The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop their own research ideas centered on the overall theme of the project and in collaboration with members of the research team. More information about the Penczykowski lab group and our projects can be found at penczykowskilab.com/ .

The postdoc will be based at the WashU Department of Biology, with additional opportunities for interaction and collaboration at Tyson Research Center (WashU's environmental field station located 20 miles from campus), the Missouri Botanical Garden, and other local institutions (including Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis Zoo, and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center).

Preference will be given to applicants that have strong molecular wet-lab and bioinformatics skills. Participation in at least once-annual sampling road trips (from St. Louis, MO north to Duluth, MN and/or south to New Orleans, LA) is encouraged but not required for this position.

In addition to leading the research, candidates should have an expressed interest in mentoring undergraduate students and/or high school interns in the lab and/or through summer programming at Tyson Research Center. We are also looking for someone who will be enthusiastic about participation in our lab's outreach activities in the St. Louis area community (e.g., with local schools and urban gardens) and beyond (e.g., through iNaturalist-based citizen science projects).

Funding for salary, research expenses, and conference travel is available for up to three years. 

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

• Perform sequencing and assembly of powdery mildew fungus and genotyping of powdery mildew samples (wet-lab and bioinformatics).
• Write papers.
• Mentor undergraduates and/or high school interns who assist you with this project.
• Professional development activities (present at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences; attend relevant workshops or trainings; other preparation for next stage of career).
• Participate in lab outreach activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

PhD.

Preferred Qualifications

Molecular wet-lab and bioinformatics skills.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on August 21, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to e-mail Rachel Penczykowski (rpenczykowski@wustl.edu ) to indicate interest in the position as soon as possible. To apply, please combine into a single PDF file your CV, a one-page statement of research interests and prior experience, and the names and contact information of three references.

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 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.