Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Position Open in the Jaebok Choi Lab in Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology

Area of expertise: Transplant immunology focused on T cells

The Choi Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on 1) elucidating the mechanisms underlying the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) by small molecule inhibitors of Janus Kinases (JAKs) and/or 2) identifying/validating novel genes that differentially regulate GvHD and graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect through CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNA library screenings. The long-term goal of the lab is to separate the beneficial GvL effect from GvHD. Please see the departmental websites for the detailed information at dbbs.wustl.edu/faculty/Pages/faculty_bio.aspx?SID=6753 and oncology.wustl.edu/people/faculty/Choi/Choi_Res.html.

For translational approaches, the postdoctoral researcher may occasionally analyze human patient samples. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

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 expertise in mouse models of GvHD/GvL, CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNA library screening, bioluminescence imaging, intestinal organoids, and multicolor flow cytometry.
• 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 with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of his/her research responsibilities.
• Maintain conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintain compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engage in open and timely discussion with his/her 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or an equivalent degree in immunology, molecular biology, or cell biology.
• Relevant backgrounds include T cell biology, antigen presentation and cytokine signaling.

Preferred Qualifications

Technical expertise in two or more of the following areas is highly desirable: multi-parameter flow cytometry (10-21 colors), protein biochemistry, molecular biology, gene editing in primary T cells and bioinformatics/computational biology.

Salary

Base pay commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and contact information of three references via e-mail to Dr. Jaebok Choi at jchoi25@wustl.edu.

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/AA Statement

Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individualâ™s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.