Postdoctoral Research Associate – Radiation Oncology

Postdoctoral Research Associate

A full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD, in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The NIH-funded laboratory studies the effects of radiation on the heart, lungs, and tumors, with three goals: understanding and preventing radiation-induced cardiac and pulmonary injury in patients with cancer; developing localized cardiac radiation as a therapy for cardiac disease; and identifying strategies, including dietary and metabolic approaches, that enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy in tumors. Projects use rodent models of heart failure, pulmonary toxicity, and cancer; image-guided small animal irradiation; and cell, iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte, and organoid systems, combined with single-nucleus RNA sequencing, proteomics, and flow cytometry. The laboratory collaborates closely with cardiology, immunology, imaging, and clinical investigators, with opportunities to connect preclinical findings to ongoing clinical studies.

We seek a highly motivated, independent scientist pursuing a career in translational research. Bioinformatics expertise, particularly in single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptomics, is a strong plus.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design, conduct, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments, including large sequencing datasets.
• Write manuscripts and grant applications; present findings at national meetings.
• Mentor students and research staff.
• 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:

  Please submit a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, a CV, and contact information for three references.

  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is available beginning February 1, 2027.

  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.

  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.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in radiation biology, cardiovascular, cancer, or molecular biology, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, or a related field, awarded within the past three years or expected before the start date.
  • First-author publications and strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with rodent models.
  • Bioinformatics, such as single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomic analysis.
  • Flow cytometry, immunostaining, molecular biology, primary cell culture, or organoid culture.

    Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing