Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neuroscience

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:

• Papouin Lab: https://sites.wustl.edu/papouinlab/ .
• Dougherty Lab: http://genetics.wustl.edu/jdlab /.
• Department of Neuroscience: http://neurosci.wustl.edu/People/Faculty .
• Department of Genetics: http://genetics.wustl.edu/ .
• The Brain Immunology and Glia Center: https://brainimmunologygliacenter.wustl.edu/ .
• St Louis: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/travel/st-louis-budget-affordable.html .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Trains under the supervision of the faculty mentors Drs. Thomas Papouin and Joseph Dougherty.
• Assists with the development and implementation of studies.
• Assists and provides additional mentoring to graduate students.
• Develops and leads their own project independently, leading to at least one first author publication.
• Develops their career plan and path to independence.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Complies with the Papouin and Dougherty lab ethics, research standards and philosophy.
• Maintains compliance with laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with the 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.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. Data, research records and materials, and intellectual property generated in WashU laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related life sciences discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with genetics approaches described above.
• Versed in the fields of astroglial biology.

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.

Pre-Employment ScreeningAll 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 StatementWashington 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/AA StatementWashington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity StatementWashington 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.