Career Center

Job Description

Position Summary

The Singh Lab at the Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology is seeking candidates for a fully-funded postdoctoral fellowship to study techniques to improve cellular immunotherapy for blood cancers. Our laboratory is broadly interested in the mechanisms by which synthetic receptors, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), regulate effective and dysfunctional T cell responses against cancer. Using classical immunologic techniques, novel genomic interrogations and advanced genome and protein engineering, we aim to use a detailed understanding of the molecular circuitry driven by CARs and other synthetic antigen receptors to design improved immunotherapies. This specific project will likely focus on epigenetic modification of human T cells to enhance their ability to target and kill cancer cells. The studies will involve CRISPR-based genome editing, single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing, and functional assessments of engineered human T cells, both from donors and using patient-derived samples. The goal is for this project to lead to the development of a new therapy that will be evaluated in a clinical trial for patients with blood cancer.  We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, independent thinker with a tremendous work ethic. The position will require excellent planning and organizational skills. An ability to work well with others as part of a cohesive team, take initiative, and creatively problem solve are a must.

Dr. Singh is also deeply committed to the career growth and success for each member of the laboratory. Such mentorship should be intentional, planned and tailored to each member of the group â“ thus the laboratory operates with a primary goal of fostering career goals and development. To this end, a mentorship plan will be developed involving a senior faculty member with complementary expertise.

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 several first author publications.
• Develops expertise in human T cell engineering, translational immunology and development of clinical cellular immunotherapy products, synthetic protein design, analysis of genomics datasets.
• 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.
• Maintains 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.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres 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.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or an equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory immunology, preferably working with human T cells.
• Experience in genetic engineering, single-cell genomics or bioinformatics is highly desired.
• Excellence in laboratory techniques, including flow cytometry, sterile cell culture, western blotting, preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing, basic sequencing analysis and CRISPR genome editing.
• Outstanding communication and collaborative work skills.

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.

External Applicant Instructions

When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two âœQuick Apply❠options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the âœQuick Apply❠page by clicking âœNext❠at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.

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.