Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cardiology

About the Lab

The Shen Lab within the Division of Cardiology and Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, USA, specializes in precision cardiovascular medicine, leveraging cutting-edge approaches such as human iPSC-derived 2D cardiovascular cells, 3D vascularized cardioids, CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput CRISPRko/i/a screening, single-cell multiomics, tissue engineering, and animal models.

Research Focus Areas

• Developing robust, chemically defined differentiation protocols to generate diverse cardiovascular cell types from iPSCs, enabling advanced cardiovascular disease modeling and cell therapy applications (Nature Cardiovascular Research 2023; Circulation 2023; Circulation Research 2021, Circulation 2019)
• Uncovering genetic drivers of anti-cancer drug-induced cardiovascular toxicity through integrated iPSC models and high-throughput CRISPRi/a screening (Cell Stem Cell 2024)
• Deciphering pathogenic coding and non-coding variants linked to congenital heart disease in a cell type-specific manner (Cell 2022)
• Combining iPSC-derived cells and single-cell perturb sequencing to establish foundational models to predict the effects of potential drug candidates on cardiovascular diseases

Position Summary

We are seeking highly motivated, creative postdoctoral fellows to drive innovations in cardiovascular precision medicine. We welcome candidates with expertise in iPSC biology, functional genomics, developmental biology, cardiovascular disease, and/or bioinformatics to explore the intersection of cardiovascular physiology, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. This position offers the opportunity to develop translational research projects using cutting-edge approaches in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting
• Prepares and submits papers on research
• Assists in the design of research experiments
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results
• Conscientious discharge of research responsibilities
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records
• Engages in open and timely discussion with mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to the laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations

Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Working Environment

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.

Training & Mentorship

Our lab provides a collaborative and supportive culture that champions teamwork, scientific curiosity, and innovation. Successful candidates will lead impactful research initiatives while receiving personalized mentorship to foster their growth as independent investigators. We are committed to your career success, offering dedicated support for fellowship applications, training grants, and transition to independence, along with opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills. WashU offers outstanding research infrastructure and professional development resources through its Career Center, Teaching Center, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.