Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available in Dr. Grant Challen’s laboratory in the Division of Oncology at WashU.

The Challen lab investigates the epigenetic regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis. The successful applicant will be responsible for characterizing the roles of various epigenetic modifications in stem cell differentiation and blood cancer transformation. The project involves understanding the mechanisms by which certain mutations provide stem cells with growth advantages to establish clonal hematopoiesis, and how clonal competition and external stressors drive clonal hematopoiesis towards blood cancer. Our ultimate goal is to identify new points of intervention for therapeutic targeting high-risk clones as a means of blood cancer prevention.

Our lab uses a variety of cutting edge next-generation sequencing technologies and single cell approaches coupled with traditional cell culture, molecular biology and mouse model genetics. The lab is funded by multiple NIH and Foundation awards. The Siteman Cancer Center provides us access to a variety of specialized research cores to facilitate our projects. Motivated candidates with a PhD or MD with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology, cancer research and epigenetics are encouraged to apply. Experience with mouse models, flow cytometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA methylation analysis is a bonus.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

For information on the lab please visit www.challen-lab.com.

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 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.

Individuals who join this lab as a postdoctoral appointee will gain advanced research skills in addition to the following training opportunities:

• Research Design:  Weekly individual meetings with PI to discuss results and plan next experimental steps. Data review at weekly lab meetings. 
• Scientific Communication:  In addition to weekly lab meetings, the Hematopoietic Development and Malignancy Program (HDMP) of the Siteman Cancer Center holds a weekly journal club which our trainees attend to keep abreast of cutting edge research papers. There are numerous seminars every week run by other departments at Washington University School of Medicine. 
• Scientific Writing / Critical Evaluation:  We encourage trainees to apply for independent fellowships, to write their own manuscripts, and to take speaking opportunities when they arise.  We will also have trainees read and comment on our grant proposals to hone skills in recognizing strengths and weaknesses in experimental plans. 
• Didactic Training:  Additional coursework in computational analysis methods are encouraged.

Additionally, postdoctoral appointees at WashU are highly encouraged to use 10% of their time to pursue career and professional development. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers a plethora of professional development workshops as well as tons of resources to support your wellness and sense of belonging.

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:

Please submit a CV and research statement when applying.

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 Washington University, 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:

Cancer Research, Cell Biology, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, DNA Analysis, DNA Methylation, Epigenetics, Experimentation, Flow Cytometry, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Molecular Biology, Mouse Models, 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 [email protected] 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 or shared ancestry, 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. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.