Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neurology

Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Research opportunity to perform basic and translational research in motor neuron disease is available in the laboratory of Dr. Cindy Ly (Department of Neurology).

The focus of the Ly Lab is to develop novel biofluid biomarkers and discover therapeutic targets for motor neuron disease including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We employ a multimodal strategy that leverages basic cell culture and animal models as well as patient biosamples to translate findings to human disease. The laboratory is actively involved in ALS postmortem tissue biobanking and biofluid collection efforts to support ongoing ALS research efforts within the WashU community and beyond.

Our projects include utilizing mass spectrometry approaches to determine protein turnover of neurodegenerative biomarkers in ALS participants to inform ALS pathomechanisms and clinical trial design, identification of novel biofluid biomarkers, and immunohistochemical analyses of ALS postmortem tissue.

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

• Manages their own project with the anticipation of publishing a first author publication.
• Develops expertise in performing immunoassays, Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, analyzing proteomic data, immunohistochemistry, and ALS animal models.
• Develops proficiency in critical evaluation of scientific literature, scientific writing, and public speaking with opportunities to present scientific work.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records and safe laboratory practices.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research.
• Adherence 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/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.

At WashU, postdoctoral appointments:
Have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional license 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 Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing.

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.