Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Scholar position open in the Neuromuscular Division of the Department of Neurology, Peripheral Neuropathy Research.

The Geisler lab within the Neuromuscular Division of the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is seeking a creative, talented and intellectually curious postdoctoral research fellow. Our lab conducts translational research focusing on mechanisms of axon degeneration, pain and neuro-immune interactions in peripheral neuropathies with the goal to develop effective therapeutic agents that can be translated into relevant treatment strategies for patients. We use a combination of animal models, neuronal cell culture, patient samples, molecular and cell biology, genetics, single cell RNA sequencing and imaging. Experiments for this position will utilize AAV-mediated gene therapy in mouse models of chemotherapy-induced neuropathies. https://sites.wustl.edu/geislerlab/ .

We welcome and strongly support scientists with diverse backgrounds who are energetic and highly motivated for career advancement in academia or industry. The University offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career- and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Center, Teaching Center, Writing Center and campus groups. Our lab will be housed in the state-of-the-art multidisciplinary Neuroscience Research Building, slated to open in the summer of 2023 as one of the largest neuroscience research buildings in the country.

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

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

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

• Manages their own project, which should lead to publication.
• Develops expertise in functional and tissue analysis of peripheral neuropathies in rodent models.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of area literature.
• Presents work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs a research project or projects.
• Conscientious discharge of research and/or teaching responsibilities.
• Maintain conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group or department.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. 

Required Qualifications

Qualified applicants must be recent recipients of a PhD or MD awarded within the past three years and have a strong track record of productivity supported by accepted or in press first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates should have strong neuroscience and/or neuroimmunology experience.
• Proficiency in animal husbandry, tissue collection, neuronal cell culture, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and light and confocal microscopy are required.
• Experience with electron microscopy and single cell RNA sequencing is desirable. 

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.

External Applicant Instructions

When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two “Quick Apply” options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the “Quick Apply” page by clicking “Next” at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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
This position is not eligible to receive benefits. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view eligibility criteria.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those 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.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.