Job Description

Position Summary

Four postdoctoral positions (Scholar or Associate) are available immediately in the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis.  

The Dai Lab is focused on understand the homeostasis of lung vascular biology and pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary diseases with the goals of 1) understanding underlying mechanisms of pulmonary vascular diseases including pulmonary hypertension, and 2) identifying novel precision therapeutic approaches and targets for lung diseases and right heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension.

Current research projects include 1) defining the mechanism of genetic factors influencing pulmonary arterial hypertension, 2) evaluating how endothelial cells crosstalk with other lung cell populations in the disease lungs including COPD and lung fibrosis, and 3) developing novel approaches for lung specific targeting on lung diseases. Our recent publications include influential articles in Circulation (2016), AJRCCM (2018;2018), ERJ (2022), ATVB (2022), and Hypertension (2023), Circulation (2024). We leverage cutting-edge technologies like genetic lineage tracing, CRISPR genomic editing, single-cell omics, and spatial transcriptomics to unravel complex cardiopulmonary vascular diseases.

We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral candidates with preferred prior experience in developmental biology, molecular biology, or epigenetics. Our supportive environment values teamwork, dedication, and curiosity. Successful candidates will be self-motivated and have skills and training to assist in performing complex research studies, experiments, and assays. This position will also provide opportunity to develop exciting, cutting edge independent translational research projects at the intersection of lung, heart and vascular biology. We are committed to nurturing your independent career development and providing strong support for fellowship, training grant, and independent grant applications.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of Principal Investigator to:

• Manage their own project, which should lead to first author publications.
• Develop expertise in data analysis.
• Develop proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Present scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepare and submit papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Design research experiments, evaluate research findings, and report results.
• Conscientious discharge of their 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 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.
• Mentorship of trainees in the lab.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cell/molecular biology techniques (RNA and DNA extraction and purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR).
• Experience with flow cytometry, experimental design and setup, data acquisition and data analysis.
• Experience with processing and analysis of bulk RNA and single cell sequencing data and epigenetic sequencing data.
• Motivated for learning new techniques for biomedical science.
• Ability to adapt and change as new laboratory protocols emerge.

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.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Please include a letter of interest, CV, and a list of three (3) references when you apply by emailing Dr. Dai at z.dai@wustl.edu.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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.

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