Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

A Staff Scientist (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Sadaf Amin at WashU Medicine in St. Louis to investigate innate immune pathways in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. The Amin Lab studies the role of neuro-immune interactions in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and age-related brain disorders. We are an enthusiastic and collaborative team seeking a highly motivated individual to join our new and growing research group.

Projects are available to (1) study immune–RNA crosstalk in neurodegeneration to decipher the role of maladaptive innate immune pathways in neuronal stress and death, and (2) examine how innate immune activation contributes to microglial dysfunction and senescence in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We use a combination of iPSC-based systems and transgenic mouse models coupled with novel approaches including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR–Cas9 screening, and interactome profiling. The work will contribute to our overall goal of advancing novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease.

Candidates with backgrounds in stem cell biology, computational biology, or neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

A background on our research can be found by reading some of our recent papers at https://sites.wustl.edu/aminlab/.   

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.

• Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses.

• Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers.

• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.

• Conducts literature searches related to research project.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

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:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. and postdoctoral research experience in neuroscience, computational biology, cell and developmental biology, or a related discipline involving the interrogation of cellular pathways using in vitro platforms and ‘omics’ datasets.

• Prior experience with iPSC-based culture techniques and in vitro disease modeling (highly beneficial).

• Familiarity with transgenic mouse models and proper mouse handling techniques.

• Skills in at least one programming language (R, or Python) are strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in conducting or analyzing single-nucleus RNA sequencing data and experience with Seurat or similar gene-based association tools is encouraged.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy