Postdoctoral Research Associate – Oncology

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position

This posting is for a postdoctoral research associate position in Dr. David Spencer's lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine. Dr. David Spencer is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead exciting new projects in the field of cancer genetics. The Spencer lab studies human genomics, cancer genetics, gene regulation, and the genomics and epigenetics of acute myeloid leukemia and has published articles in Cancer Cell, Cell, Leukemia, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The lab has extensive expertise in both bench science and bioinformatics and is a key member of the cancer genetics group at WashU and Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Spencer has received funding from ASH, the Cancer Research Foundation, Doris Duke, Siteman Cancer Research Fund, and the NCI, and has extensive collaborations with the McDonnell Genome Institute. Position will play a lead role in new studies of epigenetics, DNA methylation, and gene regulation in acute myeloid leukemia using primary human samples, cell lines, and mouse models. Responsibilities will be to design, perform, and analyze data from genomic assays including long read sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences platforms, single-cell multi-omics, 3D genome architecture studies (e.g., Micro-C and HiC), CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag. Experimental systems will include CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of AML cells and massively parallel reporter assays to investigate gene regulation in leukemia. Computational analysis of these data will involve applying existing tools and developing new ones, including machine and deep learning methods. There will be opportunities for development of new cell line and animal models and testing, evaluation, and analysis of new genomic technologies. Authorship on high-profile publications resulting from this work is expected. The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Spencer on a day-to-day basis, allowing for close mentorship to promote career development, including an independent research program and external funding. Further career and professional development training provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• 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 include:

  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 is base pay 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 include:

  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.

  A driver's license is not required for this position.

  At WashU, postdoctoral appointments have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.

  Preferred qualifications include:

  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: Cell cloning, cell culture work, cellular biology techniques, ChIP-Seq, collaboration, CRISPR-Cas system, data analysis, data interpretations, data management, experimentation, laboratory operations, laboratory techniques, molecular biology techniques, PCR methods, researching, results reporting, RNA-Seq, scientific writing, statistical analysis, Unix commands.