Career Center

Job Description

The Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology has an opening for a post-doctoral research associate in the Division of Cancer Biology in the Laboratory of Julie Schwarz, MD, PhD. The laboratory projects will involve preclinical modeling of chemotherapy and radiation induced oxidative stress in tumor cells as well as the associated tumor microenvironment. The primary tumor model systems used will include orthotopic syngeneic, patient derived xenograft and genetically engineered models of gynecologic and non gynecologic (Human Papilloma Virus) HPV associated cancers. This position also includes collaborative work in other tumor sites and focused study of normal tissue effects. A corresponding well annotated prospectively collected human tumor bank provides an outstanding resource for corresponding translational studies using advanced bioinformatic technologies.

Current projects: (1) Generation of novel immune competent genetically engineered mouse models of HPV associated cancers; (2) Treatment response modeling using patient derived xenograft models; (3) Tumor metabolism studies including tumor intrinsic and extrinsic (i.e., tumor microenvironment) utilization of glucose, glutamine and free fatty acids before and after chemotherapy and radiation; (4) Radiation and chemotherapy associated remodeling of the tumor microenvironment including focused study of the effects on local and systemic anti-tumor immunity.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Actively pursue research under the supervision of the PI while developing skills for independent research.
• Critically analyze and summarize scientific literature.
• Develop research questions, design and conduct experiments, and critically analyze data.
• Communicate methods, data, and results in presentations and via manuscript writing.
• Assist with grant preparation.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in radiation biology, cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology or a related field.
• Extensive experience in molecular biology techniques, including both in vitro and in vivo work as well as outstanding scientific communication skills including oral presentations and manuscript preparation.
• Additional experience with advanced techniques to study tumor metabolism (mass spectrometry, isotope labeling, metabolic flux studies) and/or tumor immunology (ELISA, flow cytometry, single cell sequencing).

Salary

Base pay commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested candidates should send a cover letter (brief) and curriculum vitae to Dr. Julie Schwarz at jschwarz@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 in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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.