Postdoctoral Research Associate - Allergy & Immunology

Washington University in St. Louis; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kau Lab at Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with strong interests in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and animal models.

The role explores how microbial ecology in gut, airway, and other mucosal surfaces interacts with host factors to influence human health using diverse techniques. Candidates will train under a faculty mentor and contribute to grant-writing, papers, and experimental design while upholding rigorous ethical and laboratory

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent required.
• Experience with microbiology/immunology techniques is beneficial.
• Strong data analysis skills preferred.
• Experience with mouse models is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepare and submit papers on research.
• Assist in designing research experiments.
• Evaluate research findings and help report results.
• Maintain good laboratory practices and ethical standards.
• Ensure proper documentation and records of all work.

Skills

Mouse handling

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence microscopy

Molecular cloning

Multi-omics data analysis

Basic microbiology techniques

Education

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

Tools

Metagenomic sequencing

Whole genome sequencing

RNA sequencing

Programming in R

Programming in Python

Job description

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position in the Kau Lab is available for candidates interested in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and animal models. We utilize a combination of techniques to investigate how the microbial ecology of the gut, airway, urinary tract, and other mucosal surfaces interact with host factors to influence human health.

Techniques used in the lab include:

• mouse handling
• microbial metagenomic sequencing (including whole genome and RNA sequencing)
• basic microbiology techniques
• molecular cloning
• flow cytometry
• immunofluorescence microscopy
• multi-omics data analysis

Experience with any of these techniques is appreciated, but not required. All applicants with any prior lab experience are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

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

Please visit our lab website for more information and recent publications: www.kaulab.org.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• 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 their 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.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

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.

Salary Range:

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

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.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• A PhD in microbiology, computational biology, or a related discipline involving analysis of multi-omics datasets.
• Prior experience with microbiology techniques.
• Familiarity with mouse models and proper mouse handling.
• Skills in at least one programming language (R or Python) are strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications** /Professional Licenses **

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 Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 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.

Pre-Employment Screening

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 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.

Benefits Statement

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 our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

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.