Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cardiology

Location SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary The Shen Lab within the Division of Cardiology and Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, USA, is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Our lab specializes in precision cardiovascular medicine, leveraging cutting-edge approaches such as human iPSC-derived 2D cardiovascular cells, 3D vascularized cardioids, CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput CRISPRko/i/a screening, single-cell multiomics, tissue engineering, and animal models.

Our current research primarily focuses on four key areas:
1) Developing robust, chemically defined differentiation protocols to generate diverse cardiovascular cell types from iPSCs, enabling advanced cardiovascular disease modeling and cell therapy applications (Nature Cardiovascular Research 2023; Circulation 2023; Circulation Research 2021, Circulation 2019),
2) Uncovering genetic drivers of anti-cancer drug-induced cardiovascular toxicity through integrated iPSC models and high-throughput CRISPRi/a screening (Cell Stem Cell 2024),
3) Deciphering pathogenic coding and non-coding variants linked to congenital heart disease in a cell type-specific manner (Cell 2022), and
4) Combining iPSC-derived cells and single-cell perturb sequencing to establish foundational models to predict the effects of potential drug candidates on cardiovascular diseases. By combining genome engineering, functional genomics, and tissue models, we aim to advance mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

We are seeking highly motivated, creative postdoctoral fellows to drive innovations in cardiovascular precision medicine. We welcome candidates with expertise in iPSC biology, functional genomics, developmental biology, cardiovascular disease, and/or bioinformatics to explore the intersection of cardiovascular physiology, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. This position offers the opportunity to develop translational research projects using cutting-edge approaches in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Our lab provides a collaborative and supportive culture that champions teamwork, scientific curiosity, and innovation. Successful candidates will lead impactful research initiatives while receiving personalized mentorship to foster their growth as independent investigators. We are committed to your career success, offering dedicated support for fellowship applications, training grants, and transition to independence, along with opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills.

WashU offers outstanding research infrastructure and professional development resources through its Career Center, Teaching Center, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. As part of our vibrant scientific community, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a network of interdisciplinary collaborators.

Primary

Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• 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.

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.

Base pay is 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.

• 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
• Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.