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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Infectious Diseases

Washington University in St. Louis
Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health, United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 18 Aug 2026

About the role

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary

In support of a recently funded NIH DP2 award, we are looking for a cellular immunologist to join the Kotov lab as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. We focus on the innate immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection as it is the leading cause of death from a single pathogen worldwide. Our goal is to understand the host response to this infection to identify novel targets for host-directed therapies.

There are a number of projects available, all of which focus on the host response during Mtb infection, with a primary focus on plasmacytoid dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, independent, and collegial, with the expectation that they will lead a project or two. This position is primarily a wet lab position (though has dry lab components!) involving the use of mouse models in an animal BSL3 facility. Previous BSL3 experience is not a requirement. Candidates with experience with mice, flow cytometry, and microscopy are encouraged to apply. Additionally, previous experience analyzing transcriptomic data is an advantage, as the dry lab (e.g., single cell RNA-sequencing dataset analysis) informs the wet lab work.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

For more information about the Kotov lab, please visit https://kotovlab.wustl.edu/.


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):


  • Leverage cellular immunology techniques (flow cytometry, microscopy, bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics) to study the host response against Mtb infection using mouse models in a BSL3 facility.
  • Perform basic bioinformatics analysis of single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomic datasets.
  • Mentor undergraduates, research technicians, and rotating graduate students.
  • Collaborate with researchers inside and outside of Washington University in St. Louis.
  • Present at national and international conferences.
  • Write manuscripts.

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:

Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our

Company

Washington University in St. Louis

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