Postdoctoral Research Associate - Genetics

Position Summary

We invite highly motivated candidates to apply for positions as postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory of Dr. Jeff Milbrandt in the Department of Genetics at WashU in St. Louis. In the laboratory, we work to unravel the mechanism of axon degeneration and its role in neurodegenerative disease.

Many of our projects are pursued collaboratively with the Aaron DiAntonio lab and focus on how defects in NAD homeostasis alter disease progression in peripheral neuropathy, ALS, and retinal degenerative disorders. One set of studies is aimed at determining how the NADase activity of the TIR domain protein SARM1 is regulated and how its activity influences downstream signaling pathways that control axon maintenance.

Another area of interest focuses on motor neuron abnormalities that occur in ALS and in peripheral neuropathy.

In particular, we are interested in the unique metabolic vulnerability of motor axons and how metabolic deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells contribute to motor neuron diseases. We are also pursuing studies to define the cellular composition of peripheral nerves, particularly the microglial‑like cells that contribute to nerve homeostasis as well as disease progression.

These projects utilize a wide breadth of technologies from single cell sequencing to mass spectrometry to high‑throughput, quantitative imaging. In addition, we use human genetics, AAV viral therapies, and disease models, including mutant mice and iPSC‑derived neurons to further understand neurodegenerative processes. These projects are funded by multiple grants from the NIH.

This opportunity requires the ability to visit St. Louis for potential interviews.

Primary duties and responsibilities are to conduct experimental work in the areas described above, including designing, executing, and analyzing experiments, and to communicate results through publications, presentations, and reports.

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 provide standard care to research animals.

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

To apply for this position, applicants should email a single PDF file consisting of a letter of interest, a CV, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Dr. Jeff Milbrandt .

Education: Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/practice license is required.

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required.

Skills: Not applicable.

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required.

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biological sciences or related field.
• Genomics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience skills.

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email Candidate Questions or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at  and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

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, 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.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to view a summary of benefits.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.