Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiology

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Pereira Laboratory, Department of Radiology, to join an NIH-funded translational oncology program.

The role focuses on antibody engineering, ADC development, molecular imaging, and theragnostic approaches, integrating computational biology with experimental work. You will design independent projects, analyze multi-omics data, mentor trainees, and contribute to a collaborative lab environment

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience in antibody engineering, ADC development, protein conjugation, or chemical biology; spatial transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology; molecular imaging, radiochemistry, or image analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, scientific independence, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential.
• Candidates with expertise in either experimental or computational research (and willingness to develop complementary skills) are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects focused on antibody engineering, ADC development, molecular imaging, and theragnostic agents.
• Develop and evaluate novel antibody conjugates using molecular, cellular, biochemical, and in vivo approaches.
• Perform cancer biology studies using cell lines, patient-derived models, and mouse models.
• Analyze and integrate molecular imaging, spatial transcriptomics, and other multi-omics datasets to identify biomarkers and mechanisms of therapeutic response.
• Develop computational workflows for spatial biology and imaging data analysis using R, Python, or related tools.
• Design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and critically interpret scientific findings.
• Organize, manage, and integrate experimental datasets in compliance with laboratory, institutional, and NIH data management and reproducibility standards.
• Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, grant proposals, and present research at national and international scientific meetings.
• Mentor graduate students and other laboratory trainees while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Skills

Antibody engineering

ADC development

Spatial transcriptomics

Computational biology

Molecular imaging

Education

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related field

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary

The Pereira Laboratory in the Department of Radiology at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary, NIH-funded research program at the interface of molecular imaging, antibody engineering, cancer biology, drug development, and translational oncology.

Our laboratory develops next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), molecular imaging agents, and targeted therapeutics to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. We combine protein engineering, chemical biology, molecular imaging, computational biology, and spatial transcriptomics to understand therapeutic response and accelerate translation from preclinical discovery to clinical application.

The successful candidate will have experimental and analytical skills, excellent scientific writing and communication abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates should be highly motivated, organized, and eager to integrate experimental and computational approaches to address translational research questions while mentoring junior trainees and contributing to a positive laboratory environment. Candidates should have demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following areas: antibody engineering, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cancer biology, molecular imaging, or chemical biology. Experience with computational analysis of spatial transcriptomics or other high-dimensional datasets and strong data management skills are highly desirable.

We are seeking an independent and collaborative scientist interested in developing innovative antibody-based therapeutics while integrating computational approaches to study tumor biology and mechanisms of response and resistance.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

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

• Design and execute independent research projects focused on antibody engineering, ADC development, molecular imaging, and theragnostic agents.
• Develop and evaluate novel antibody conjugates using molecular, cellular, biochemical, and in vivo approaches.
• Perform cancer biology studies using cell lines, patient‑derived models, and mouse models.
• Analyze and integrate molecular imaging, spatial transcriptomics, and other multi‑omics datasets to identify biomarkers and mechanisms of therapeutic response.
• Develop computational workflows for spatial biology and imaging data analysis using R, Python, or related tools.
• Design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and critically interpret scientific findings.
• Organize, manage, and integrate experimental datasets in compliance with laboratory, institutional, and NIH data management and reproducibility standards.
• Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, grant proposals, and present research at national and international scientific meetings.
• Mentor graduate students and other laboratory trainees while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: Antibody engineering, ADC development, protein conjugation, or chemical biology; spatial transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology; molecular imaging, radiochemistry, or image analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, scientific independence, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential for this position.
• Candidates with expertise in either experimental or computational research (and a willingness to develop complementary skills) are strongly encouraged to apply.

More About This Job

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Collaboration, Communication, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Organizing, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Technical Writing, Scientific Writing, Self Motivation, Work Collaboratively, Working Independently

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.