Employment Type : Full-Time
Job Description Position Summary One joint Postdoctoral Research Associate position is open in the Papouin lab ( https://sites.wustl.edu/papouinlab/ ) and Dougherty lab ( http://genetics.wustl.edu/jdlab/ ) at Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, in the Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics, to conduct groundbreaking studies on astrocytes genetic diversity in the rodent, human and non-human primate brains. The successful candidate will join two inclusive, productive, dynamic and highly complementary teams, as part of a strong, ongoing and well-funded collaboration. Both labs offer vibrant, new and custom-designed laboratory spaces with rich intellectual environments, and hands-on mentoring. The Papouin lab, led by a junior PI, studies the role of astrocytes in information processing in the mammalian brain at the cellular, circuit and behavioral levels. Techniques routinely employed in the Papouin lab include slice electrophysiology (patch-clamp, extracellular recordings), optogenetics, mouse behavioral assays, electron microscopy, quantitative RT-PCR, survival surgeries and viral deliveries of genetic constructs (e.g. DREADDS, CalEx), various astrocytes manipulations, calcium imaging, in vivo micro-dialysis, analytical chemistry (chiral derivatization, HPLC) and more. On the other hand, the Dougherty lab is led by a well-established PI, and focuses on the genetics and genomics of behavior, in particular in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders, using a wide breadth of genomic, neuroanatomical, and behavioral approaches. The lab is known for its pioneering of many key genetic tools, and routinely develops and employs approaches such as CrispR/Cas9 editing in vivo, single-cell epigenetic recording (calling cards), RNAseq, TRAP, MPRAs (massively Parallel Reporter Assays), 10X sequencing and more. This ongoing collaboration, funded by the DoD and the NIMH, aims at canvasing the genetic diversity of astrocytes in the rodent, human and non-human primate (rhesus monkey) brain and uncovering, in the regulatory elements that are specifically active in astrocytes, especially in primates. This, in turn, is to be leveraged to design AAV-based tools that will allow the manipulation of subtypes of astrocytes, hence allowing the investigation of the roles of subtypes of astrocytes in higher-order cognitive functions and behaviors. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in one or more of the following areas, and training can be provided in the others: single cell genomics (e.g., 10x), epigenetic analyses, neuroanatomy, RNA seq, molecular biology, bioinformatics. Funding is in hand for at least up to two years, but we will also provide training in grant writing for fellowship applications to various foundations and funding agencies. Overall, mentoring will be provided by both PIs through joint weekly meetings, and the candidate will have ample opportunities for training in both labs. In addition, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis is found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ . The Department of Neuroscience at Washington University is made of over 30 different laboratories, which research spans the entire field of fundamental and translational Neuroscience, the full breath of research models (from computation and fossils to non-human primates and human patients), and the entire breath of techniques used in modern Neuroscience. We work closely with Cores, Centers and other Departments, such as the Departments of Anesthesiology, Genetics and Psychiatry, and have access to clinical research and human subjects, as well as tissue samples through partnerships with local hospitals. The Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics are home to a number of prominent and internationally recognized researchers. This is a unique opportunity to work at a top tier American University, ranking #20 in the World Best Universities (Shanghai ranking) and #9 in the Best Global Universities for Neuroscience and Behavior, with access to a virtually limitless array of techniques, in an exceptionally friendly, collegial and collaborative atmosphere. Our department is also proudly international in nature, with PIs and postdocs originating from Switzerland, France, Germany, U.K., Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Canada, Russia, Korea, China, and India. For more information: Primary Duties & Responsibilities Required Qualifications Preferred Qualifications 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. Applicant Special Instructions To apply for this postdoctoral research opportunity, please email a CV/Biosketch with list of publications and awards, if applicable, a brief statement of research interest and experience, and the contact information of at least two references, directly to Drs. Thomas Papouin and Joseph Dougherty at thomas.papouin@wustl.edu and jdougherty@wustl .edu . Applications will be considered until the position is filled. This position can start immediately but start date is flexible.