Position Summary
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is now open in the Puram Lab (PI: Sidharth Puram, MD PhD) at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, integrated into the Departments of Genetics and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Our research is dedicated to describing and investigating the mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity in head and neck cancers (squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland cancers, and other tumors). We have advanced the application of single cell sequencing technologies to rigorously pursue this research, with our work providing the first detailed atlas of an epithelial tumor through studies of head and neck cancer patients (Puram et al., Cell, 2017).
We are seeking a highly motivated, hard working, rigorous, and curious post-doctoral fellow who aspires to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on fundamental challenges in tumor biology including dysregulated signaling, metastasis, treatment resistance, and recurrence. The post-doctoral position calls for an individual who is seeking to advance their skill set and depth of knowledge, along with finely honing their existing research skills. This person will perform and oversee 2-3 major research projects, collaborating on other projects as necessary. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastically seeking a position that fosters their own scientific growth and development as well as ability to contribute to both fundamental and translational science.
Potential projects include: (1) Defining expression and epigenetic heterogeneity in head and neck cancers in contexts such as metastasis, recurrence, or treatment failure, (2) dissecting the pathways and mechanisms that may underlie changes in cell states such as partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and (3) establishing novel model of human tumors (e.g., PDX) and using these to advance mechanistic studies as well as directly comparing them to patient samples. Tissue culture, genome editing, invasion/proliferation assays, and biochemistry approaches (western blot, co-IP, etc.) are heavily relied upon techniques.
Applicants should have a PhD and demonstrate relevant research experience in cancer biology, with a strong track record of prior success and prior first-author (or co-first) publications. Excellent collaborative skills, communication, and independent scientific thinking are required. Skills in molecular biology, tumor sample processing, functional assays, and genomics are highly relevant (experience in bioinformatics is valued as well).
WashU Medicine is a top 10 medical school, offering a highly interactive and stimulating environment for scientists in training. Post-doctoral candidates will benefit from the extremely collaborative environments of the Departments of Genetics and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as well as the vibrant scientific community within the Couch Biomedical Research Building. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. WashU is located in the Central West End, a chic and trendy neighborhood adjacent to major restaurants and the largest park in the US (Forest Park). We offer a competitive salary and benefits consistent with NIH guidelines.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
For additional information on the lab, please visit www.oto.wustl.edu/puramlab.
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(s).
- Develops expertise in single cell genomics/transcriptomics, molecular biology experience, biochemistry, and advanced functional assays/imaging.
- Expands 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.
- Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
- Assists with grant review, preparation, and reporting.
- Independently designs and conducts experiments with the ability to analyze results critically and troubleshoot challenges, including the conscientious and ethical discharge of these responsibilities.
- Reads and reviews primary literature, with critical analysis and integration of prior and new findings into daily experimental design and project goals
- Supervises and mentors laboratory staff and graduate students as assigned, assuring appropriate study procedures, review of staff work, and teaching scientific skills.
- Provides input and suggestions to the laboratory supervisor to develop procedure manuals and operational/technical guidelines for lab studies.
- Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
- Engages in open and timely discussion with their 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.
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:
If interested, please submit a CV, cover letter describing your research interests, and contact information for three references who can comment on your experience and abilities to Dr. Sidharth Puram at sidpuram@wustl.edu. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
At WashU, postdoctoral appointments:
- Have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing
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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
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 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.
Washington University is dedicated to building a 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.