Position Summary

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position in a vibrant Neurology/Radiology Laboratory that performs cutting edge research at Washington University in St. Louis. The laboratory studies neurodegenerative disease (Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and genetic causes of Alzheimer’s Disease – especially Down Syndrome). The laboratory performs multi-modal imaging of the human brain using structural (e.g., volumetric imaging and diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) and functional (e.g., blood oxygen level dependent [BOLD] imaging and arterial spin labeling [ASL]) MRI in conjunction with molecular imaging (e.g., amyloid, tau, inflammatory, and synaptic PET). The focus of the lab is to understand how disruption of brain organization mediate symptoms and disease progression. Results from these investigations will inform clinical trials designed to improve the treatment of these disorders. 

This position is ideal for an individual interested in pursuing an independent research career in an academic setting. The applicant will be encouraged to pursue independent funding (e.g., NRSA fellowship, K Award). Opportunities are available for investigating personal research interests. Opportunities exist for conducting research remotely during the pandemic.

The work areas will be in offices in the Department of Neurology. Work hours are somewhat flexible and will necessitate some early evening and weekend hours, however, there is flexibility in the work environment.

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

The primary responsibility of the applicant will be to conceive, design, and analyze studies pertaining to neuroimaging changes seen in neurodegenerative disease. Training will be under the supervision of a faculty mentor will include advancement in topics of experimental design, analytic strategies and statistics, and scientific writing and presentation. Anticipated activities will entail processing and implementing new analytic strategies to facilitate understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, integrating large active multi-modal neuroimaging datasets, and analyzing relationship between brain imaging markers and cognition, biofluids, or clinical status. The applicant will lead in writing manuscripts and assist in preparing NIH progress reports. 

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, computer science, or psychology with previous experience with computational methods, scientific programming, and neuroimaging data.
• The lab primarily uses MATLAB, Python, SPSS, R, and Freesurfer for the analysis of imaging data.
• Competency in these languages/software-packages is preferred but not required.
• Experience with patient-oriented research is preferred but not required. 
• A team science environment is a key component of the laboratory.
• The ability to work with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Motivated, reliable, mature, able to multi-task and learn new tasks quickly, and have strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (both verbal and written) to work with other lab members.
• A background in scientific computing and programming.
• Experience designing or adopting statistical approaches to address key questions that will move the field forward.
• Strong publication record or experience with grant applications.

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.

Applicant Special Instructions

To apply, please send a CV, statement of interest, relevant manuscripts, and names of three references to bances@wustl.edu .  Please cc: elizabethwesterhaus@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.