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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ophthalmology

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA · West Long Branch, NJ, USA
Posted on Apr 1, 2026

Position Summary

The Wang lab in the Department of Visual Sciences is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team.

Our research focuses on discovering the mechanisms that govern ocular tissue development and homeostasis, with the goal of applying this fundamental knowledge to translational research in ocular disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment. We use a diverse range of techniques including mouse genetics, cell and molecular biology, computational bioinformatics, and bioengineering. Through established clinical collaborations, we also have unique opportunities to conduct clinical research with human eye specimens.

Our work spans three major directions:

* Basic Research: we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ocular tissue development and homeostasis, including the lens, retina, and tear gland.

* Clinical Research: we analyze human post-mortem eye tissue and patient samples to directly inform our research discoveries.

* Translational Research: we develop therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat ocular surface diseases, such as dry eye disease.

For this specific position, we are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to lead a project focused on tear gland development and management of dry eye disease.

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):

  • 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.

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. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.