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 Washington University in St. Louis.

Our primary goal is to unravel the mechanism of axon degeneration and its role in neurodegenerative disease. Many 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. Projects include studying how the NADase activity of the TIR domain protein SARM1 is regulated and how its activity influences downstream signaling pathways that control axon maintenance, as well as motor neuron abnormalities in ALS and peripheral neuropathy.

We are also investigating the unique metabolic vulnerability of motor axons and how metabolic deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells contribute to motor neuron diseases. Additionally, we aim to define the cellular composition of peripheral nerves, including microglial-like cells that contribute to nerve homeostasis and disease progression. These projects employ technologies ranging from single cell sequencing to mass spectrometry to high throughput, quantitative imaging, and leverage human genetics, AAV viral therapies, and disease models including mutant mice and iPSC-derived neurons.

These projects are funded by NIH grants.

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

Salary

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

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 and to provide standard care to research animals.

Applicant Special Instructions

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 at axonal tl.edu. (Email content adjusted to remove hyperlinks.)

The following statements describe general expectations and are not intended to be exhaustive. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

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

Certifications: No specific certification 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biological sciences or related field.

Education: No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications: No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience: No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills: Genomics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our external applicant FAQ.

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 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. 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.

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, FTE workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit the benefits website for a summary of benefits.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to…