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Postdoctoral Research Scholar (PRN) - Program in Physical Therapy

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA
Posted on Feb 10, 2026

Position Summary

The Program in Physical Therapy at WashU Medicine in St. Louis has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Tendon Rehab Lab team. The Tendon Rehab Lab is an interdisciplinary lab group investigating tendon injury and healing. Current projects within the lab span from human subjects research to the study of ex vivo tissues and preclinical models.

This position is anticipated to focus on advancing imaging techniques within the lab and will provide a supportive role to other projects within the group. Individuals with engineering (biomedical and mechanical/materials science) backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

* The appointment is of limited duration generally, not to exceed five years cumulatively unless there are extenuating circumstances.
* The appointment is not part of a clinical training program.
* Research Scholar Appointment is used when the appointee participates in a teaching and research training program, such as a fellowship or training grant, that develops the individual’s research skills for their primary benefit.
* Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for funding by a T32 mechanism.

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 more information about the lab, please visit: https://pt.wustl.edu/research/our-research-areas/tendon-rehabilitation-lab/.

WashU Program in Physical Therapy (WashU PT): https://pt.wustl.edu.

WashU PT Research Division: https://pt.wustl.edu/research.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

  • Works collaboratively with the principal investigator and research team towards achieving career goals.
  • Works with the principal investigator and research team members to successfully execute the aims of ongoing human research studies and assistance to studies in preclinical models.
  • Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.
  • Conducts literature searches and formulates impactful scientific questions related to ongoing research projects.
  • Disseminates research findings through presentations, abstracts, and manuscripts both within and outside the University.
  • Develops own and assists with ongoing grant submissions and reporting.
  • Complies with ethical standards and good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
  • Provides guidance and mentorship to more junior lab members.
  • 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.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to email Jennifer Zellers, DPT, PhD (jzellers@wustl.edu) for more information. Materials to send to Dr. Zellers and to submit through the electronic submission system are:

  • Cover letter.

  • Curriculum Vitae including Publications.

  • Personal statement (2-3 pages) regarding career goals, research experience and interests, and objectives for postdoctoral training.

  • 3 letters of reference that speak to your PhD training and potential for a science career.

Applications may be submitted without the letters of reference; letters will be needed when an applicant progresses to the interview stage. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis 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

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in multiple aspects of human subjects research.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team and be committed to being a lifelong learner.
  • Proficiency in programming of at least one language.
  • Experience in movement biomechanics and image analysis is highly valued.
  • Most importantly, it is desirable that the candidate is a good teammate and exhibits kindness, curiosity, creativity, and determination. We are looking for someone who can be our colleague, benefit from our mentorship, and continue to work with us as their career matures.

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:

Biomechanics Research, Collaboration, Communication, Confidentiality, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Ethical Standards, Experimentation, Grant Proposals, Human Subjects Research, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Literature Searches, Manuscript Writing, Mentorship, Programming Languages, Research Compliance, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Papers, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Problem Solving, Scientific Writing, Statistical Data Analysis, Teamwork

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

Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to review our benefit eligibility criteria along with any applicable 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.