Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Tech; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Sahoo Lab in Washington, DC seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to study inherited bone marrow failure and predisposition to MDS/AML. The role combines mouse and iPSC models, CRISPR editing, single-cell analyses, and multi-omics to define germline gain-of-function mechanisms driving inflammation and hematopoietic dysfunction.

Mentorship, career development, and publications are emphasized. The successful candidate will lead projects, collaborate across teams, and contribute to a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hematology, genetics, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related biological science.
• Hands-on experience with mouse models of hematopoiesis and/or cancer.
• Experience with primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and/or iPSC models.
• Proficiency in wet-lab techniques, including molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, and flow cytometry.
• Experience with CRISPR-based genome editing.
• Self-motivated, creative, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience mentoring or training students and/or research staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project and contribute to publications, presentations, and collaborations.
• Develop and implement mouse and iPSC models to study disease mechanisms.
• Apply CRISPR genome editing and flow cytometry analyses.
• Mentor junior scientists and participate in career development activities.
• Collaborate across teams to advance research goals.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Communication skills

Independence & initiative

Time management

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in hematology/genetics/molecular biology/cancer biology or related field

Tools

CRISPR genome editing

Mammalian cell culture

Job description

Job Description

The Sahoo Lab is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Associate to study the genetic and functional mechanisms driving inherited bone marrow failure and predisposition to MDS/AML. This NIH-funded position focuses on defining how germline gain-of-function mutations activate chronic inflammatory signaling, impair hematopoietic stem cell function, and drive progression to myeloid malignancy. The project integrates mouse and iPSC models, CRISPR genome editing, molecular biology, flow cytometry, and single-cell multi-omics to dissect disease mechanisms.

We are committed to mentoring the whole scientist; the successful candidate will lead this project while growing toward research independence, supported by an individualized development plan, structured mentorship, and clear milestones tailored to their career goals. Postdocs are actively mentored to publish, present, build collaborations, and compete for fellowships and career‑development awards (e.g., NIH F32, K99/R00). The position is funded for up to three years, with full access to Virginia Tech and Children’s National Hospital core facilities and seminars. The candidate will also have the opportunity to mentor and train junior scientists, developing leadership and mentoring skills essential to an independent career. This is an exciting opportunity to play a foundational role in a growing lab at the Research and Innovation Campus in Washington, DC. We are building an inclusive, collaborative lab culture and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and career paths. We are especially eager to hear from individuals historically underrepresented in biomedical research.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hematology, genetics, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related biological science. The Ph.D. must have been awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of the appointment, with at least one year of eligibility remaining.
• Hands‑on experience with mouse models of hematopoiesis and/or cancer, including in vivo techniques such as blood collection and tail vein injection.
• Experience with primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and/or iPSC models.
• Proficiency in wet‑lab techniques, including molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, and flow cytometry.
• Experience with CRISPR‑based genome editing.
• Self‑motivated, creative, and detail‑oriented.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience mentoring or training students and/or research staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with single‑cell multi‑omics approaches.
• Analysis of large‑scale genomic and/or transcriptomic datasets.
• Experience with mitochondrial or innate immune/inflammation assays.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.

Appointment Type

Restricted.

Salary Information

$65,000–$71,000, commensurate with experience.

Hours per Week

40+.

Review Date

7/24/26.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Disability Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.