Position Summary

A postdoctoral position (Scholar or Associate) is available immediately in the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis.

The Tague Lab consists of a bioinformatics dry lab and a wet lab that work synergistically to understand the genetic influence on allograft dysfunction and on the variable response to immunomodulatory therapies in advanced lung disease and lung transplantation with the goals of 1) understanding underlying mechanisms of tolerance and rejection, and 2) identifying novel precision therapeutic approaches and targets for immunosuppression. Current research projects include 1) defining the mechanism of immunosuppression-induce neutropenia and identifying genetic factors influencing neutrophil effector functions, 2) evaluating how immunosuppression alters T cell proliferative responses in the transplanted lung and how underlying germline and/or somatic mutations influence the relationship, 3) investigating how clonal hematopoiesis and immune aging influence post-transplant T cell immune responses, particularly cytotoxic cd8 T cells and the response to viral infection, and 4) evaluating how clonal hematopoiesis and telomere biology disorders influence immunocompetence and immunosenescence in advanced interstitial lung diseases and in the lung allograft.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with prior experience in immunology, molecular biology, or genomics. Our supportive environment values teamwork, dedication, and curiosity. Successful candidates will be self-motivated and have skills and training to assist in performing complex research studies, experiments, and assays. This position will also provide opportunity to develop exciting, cutting-edge independent translational research projects at the intersection of immunogenetics and computational biology.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of the Principal Investigator:

• Manages their own project, which should lead to first author publications.
• Develops expertise in data analysis.
• 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 research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages 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.
• Mentorship of trainees in the lab.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cell/molecular biology techniques (RNA and DNA extraction and purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR).
• Experience with flow cytometry experimental design and setup, data acquisition and data analysis.
• Experience with processing and analysis of DNA sequencing data, RNA bulk and single cell sequencing data and epigenetic sequencing data.
• Motivated for learning new techniques for medical science.
• Ability to adapt and change as new laboratory protocols emerge.

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.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Please include a letter of interest, CV, and a list of three (3) references when you apply to (ltague@wustl.edu ).

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.