Postdoctoral Research Associate - Genetics

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA
Posted on Mar 1, 2025

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate position open in Dr. Guoyan Zhao’s laboratory in the Department of Genetics at WashU Medicine. The Zhao laboratory employs multiple cutting-edge technologies in genomics and computational biology to investigate the development and function of mammalian brains in the context of human health and disease. Current areas of interest include applying single-nucleus RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics technologies on human brain with the goal of understanding disease pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), and Lewy body diseases (LBDs). We are also part of the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative. The goal of the massive effort is to identify science-based solutions to the opioid crisis. We will study human genes and nerve cells using cutting-edge single-cell muti-omics and spatial proteomics technologies to better understand how cells transmit pain and to find new ways to treat it.

The position requires working collaboratively with a team of experimental and computational biologists focused on single-nucleus RNA-seq data analysis and “multi-omics” data integration with a main goal to identify genetic markers and mechanisms of neurodegeneration that will lead to better disease diagnosis, treatment and eventually cure. The candidate will be responsible for leading and carrying out these innovative projects, assist with grant preparation and reporting, and prepare and submit papers for publication. The successful candidate will have opportunities to travel and to present at national and international conferences.

The Department of Genetics is a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment made up of over 30 international-leading faculty members. The neurodegenerative research program at WashU Medicine is nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence and productivity. The Bioinformatics Program and the Neuroscience Program is ranked #1 and #9 respectively by U.S. News and World Report.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

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

For information on the lab please visit https://sites.wustl.edu/zhaolab/.

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:

Interested candidates should send the following to Dr. Zhao at gzhao@wustl.edu.

  • Cover letter explaining research interests and experience.
  • CV
  • Name and contact information of three references.
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. - Bioinformatics


Certifications:

No specific certification 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

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Skills:

ChIP-Seq, Comparative Genomics, Linux, Linux Programming, Molecular Biology, Next Generation Sequencing Data Analysis, Perl Programming, Python (Programming Language), RNA-Seq, Scientific Programming Language, SingleView

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/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.