Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO, USA
Posted on Oct 8, 2025
Position Summary
The laboratory of Dr. Kian Lim at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, MO, is currently seeking driven and accomplished individuals for a postdoctoral fellow position. This interdisciplinary role will focus on investigating mechanisms of treatment resistance in gastrointestinal cancers, with a specific emphasis on pancreatic neuroendocrine and biliary tract cancers and exploring the roles of KRAS pathway inhibition and inflammatory pathways mediated by TNF, TGF-β, and the IL-1R/TLR axis. The overarching goal of our research is to develop novel therapeutic regimens that can be advanced into clinical trials for cancer patients.Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting experiments using basic bench techniques, performing assays such as western blots, cell cultures, and molecular cloning, and analyzing genomic and transcriptomic datasets with help from bioinformatician already in the lab. Strong candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field and must possess proficiency in molecular biology techniques including western blots, cell cultures, molecular cloning, PCR and other typical wet bench techniques. The successful candidate must also have experience and be comfortable with handling experimental and transgenic mouse models.
The Lim Lab fosters a culture of respect, honesty, and hard work and is committed to translating preclinical findings into clinical trials for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
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/.
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.
- Develops expertise in molecular biology and tumor immunology.
- 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.
- Assists in the design of research experiments.
- Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
- Conscientious discharge of their 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 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:
Interested applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Kian Lim at klim@dom.wustl.edu.
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:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Driver's License:
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:
Work Experience:
Skills:
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.