Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology

Washington University in St. Louis; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis invites a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. David Spencer’s Lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine.

The role leads new projects in cancer genetics, focusing on AML genomics and epigenetics, with work in primary human samples, cell lines, and mouse models. The candidate will design, perform, and analyze genomic assays including long-read sequencing, single-cell multi-omics, and 3D genome studies, plus CRISPR‑based manipulation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal/doctoral degree required.
• No specific work experience required.
• No certifications/licenses required.

Responsibilities

• Lead new studies of epigenetics, DNA methylation and gene regulation in AML.
• Design, perform and analyze genomic assays including long read sequencing (Oxford Nanopore, PacBio).
• Conduct single-cell multi-omics and 3D genome studies; apply computational analyses and develop new tools.

Skills

Cell Cloning

Cell Culture Work

Cellular Biology Techniques

ChIP-Seq

Collaboration

CRISPR‑Cas System

Data Analysis

Data Interpretations

Data Management

Experimentation

Laboratory Operations

Laboratory Techniques

Molecular Biology Techniques

PCR Methods

Researching

Results Reporting

RNA‑Seq

Scientific Writing

Statistical Analysis

Unix Commands

Education

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree

Tools

Oxford Nanopore

Pacific Biosciences

HiC

Micro-C

CUT&RUN

CUT&Tag

CRISPR-Cas9

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary

This posting is for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Dr. David Spencer’s Lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine.

Dr. David Spencer is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead exciting new projects in the field of Cancer Genetics. The Spencer lab studies human genomics, cancer genetics, gene regulation, and the genomics and epigenetics of acute myeloid leukemia and has published articles in Cancer Cell, Cell, Leukemia, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The lab has extensive expertise in both bench science and bioinformatics and is a key member of the cancer genetics group at WashU and Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Spencer has received funding from ASH, the Cancer Research Foundation, Doris Duke, Siteman Cancer Research Fund, and the NCI, and has extensive collaborations with the McDonnell Genome Institute.

Position will play a lead role in new studies of epigenetics, DNA methylation, and gene regulation in acute myeloid leukemia using primary human samples, cell lines, and mouse models. Responsibilities will be to design, perform, and analyze data from genomic assays including long read sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences platforms, single-cell multi-omics, 3D genome architecture studies (e.g., Micro-C and HiC), CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag. Experimental systems will include CRISPR/Cas9‑mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of AML cells and massively parallel reporter assays to investigate gene regulation in leukemia. Computational analysis of these data will involve applying existing tools and developing new ones, including machine and deep learning methods. There will be opportunities for development of new cell line and animal models and testing, evaluation, and analysis of new genomic technologies. Authorship on high‑profile publications resulting from this work is expected.

The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Spencer on a day‑to‑day basis, allowing for close mentorship to promote career development, including an independent research program and external funding. Further career and professional development training provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

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/.

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

At WashU, postdoctoral appointments:

• Have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.

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:

Cell Cloning, Cell Culture Work, Cellular Biology Techniques, ChIP-Seq, Collaboration, CRISPR‑Cas System, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Data Management, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Molecular Biology Techniques, PCR Methods, Researching, Results Reporting, RNA‑Seq, Scientific Writing, Statistical Analysis, Unix Commands

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.