Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology

Position Summary

In the Brossier lab, we are interested in identifying which factors (genetic, neurodevelopmental, environmental) increase the rate of tumorigenesis following oncogenic mutation in the brain and the molecular basis underlying this effect, with an eye towards using this information for patient risk assessment and to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. We utilize animal models of sporadic low-grade glioma and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)-related optic pathway glioma to accomplish these goals.

We are additionally interested in how environmental exposures affect the non-tumor manifestations of NF1, particularly in regards to cognition. Projects in the lab revolve around three major themes: (1) how neurodevelopmental factors (cell type, brain region, age) affect response to sporadic oncogenic mutation, (2) how environmental factors modulate the effects of mutation on the cell of origin and tumor penetrance, and (3) how environmental factors affect neurodevelopment in relevant to cognition in NF1.

An ideal candidate for this position will have a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biological sciences or related fields, as well as experience in mouse handling, primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology techniques. Programming skills are desired but not required. Applicants must have good spoken and written communication skills. Trainees will gain experience in mouse models of pediatric brain tumors, neural stem cell biology, neurodevelopment and translational research.

Primary

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develops proficiency in their chosen scientific discipline/field.
• Develops proficiency in their technical skills.
• Develops proficiency in ancillary skills, e.g., writing, public speaking, networking, critical evaluation of scientific documents.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University.
• 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 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.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.

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.

Education:

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

Certifications:

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.

• Have a five‑year term limit that includes previous experience.

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretation, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees. Please visit our website 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.