Postdoctoral Research Associate - Genetics

Location: St. Louis, MO 63110

About the role

The Postdoctoral Researcher will support a multidisciplinary research program focused on understanding the genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying 9p-related syndromes. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Tychele Turner, the fellow will contribute to multiple project aims by generating, analyzing, and interpreting genomic and multi-omic datasets; integrating genomic findings with clinical phenotypes; and supporting functional studies to evaluate relevant genes and variants associated with chromosome 9p disorders. This position provides advanced training and mentorship at the interface of human genomics, rare disease research, and functional biology while supporting the successful execution of the funded research program.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and multidisciplinary research team to plan experiments, interpret findings, prepare manuscripts, present research findings, and contribute to grant-related activities.
• Assist in the design of research experiments.
• Design, conduct, and optimize molecular biology and functional genomics experiments to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying chromosome 9p-related syndromes, including validation of relevant genes and variants using appropriate cellular and molecular approaches.
• Analyze, interpret, and integrate genomic and multi-omic datasets with clinical phenotype information to identify and prioritize relevant genes, variants, and disease mechanisms.
• Maintain conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintain accurate research records, prepare reports, ensure compliance with laboratory and institutional policies, and contribute to overall laboratory operations.
• Engage in open and timely discussion with their 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.
• Mentor graduate, undergraduate, and/or research staff as appropriate, while fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive laboratory environment.
• Adhere to all applicable University policies, procedures, and regulations. All data, research records, and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

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.

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Human Genetics, or a closely related life sciences field by the start date.
• Experience with genomic datasets, including sequencing data analysis and variant interpretation, or a willingness to develop these skills through training.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, Hi-C, or related methods).
• Experience in human genetics, rare disease research, or chromosome biology.
• Experience with functional validation of candidate genes or variants using cellular or molecular approaches.
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing data, copy number variants (CNVs), structural variants, or genotype-phenotype correlation analyses.
• Experience with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), organoids, animal models, or other disease modeling systems.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Interest in developing expertise at the interface of human genomics, functional biology, and rare genetic disorders, including chromosome 9p-related syndromes.

Skills

• Bioinformatic Analysis
• Collaboration
• Computational Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Data Interpretations
• DNA Sequencing
• Experimentation
• Gene Deletions
• Gene Duplication
• Genome Sequencing
• Human Genetics
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC)
• Laboratory Operations
• Laboratory Techniques
• Messenger RNA
• Neuroscience
• Researching
• Results Reporting
• Scientific Writing

Benefits

Washington 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.