Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics

Job Description

Position Summary

The Galletto Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis has an immediate opening for one Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Our research strives to understand how DNA helicases promote progression of DNA replication through sites that are difficult to replicate, thereby contributing to maintenance of genomic stability. During each cell cycle, DNA replication needs to overcome multiple obstacles, such as DNA-bound proteins, DNA secondary structures, and damaged DNA. In this context, one specific focus of our research is to understand how the Pif1-family of helicases, conserved from yeast to metazoans, aid DNA replication across barriers in general, but particularly at telomeres, which are known to impede replication and whose integrity is fundamental to genome stability.

Additional information on the laboratory and our research can be found at gallettolab.wustl.edu/ .

The Postdoctoral Researcher Associate will have the opportunity to work in a highly dynamic and interactive environment and will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities. In addition, career and professional development training is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages their own project independently and develops expertise in areas beyond their current training.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings, reports results both in oral and written form.
• Leads projects to completion through peer-reviewed journals.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Works independently yet maintains open communication with peers.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research and compliance with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in collegial and collaborative conduct.
• Adheres to all applicable university policies, procedures, and regulations.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or an equivalent terminal degree in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology or related field.
• Expertise in molecular biology methods.
• Expertise in protein expression, purification and characterization.
• Expertise in one or more quantitative technique to study macromolecular interactions and function. These include, but are not limited to, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, stopped-flow/quench flow and steady-state methods to study enzymatic activities, single molecule imaging, analytical ultracentrifugation.
• Expertise in data analysis and basic programming.

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

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter describing their research experience and career goals, along with a CV and contact information for three references to Dr. Roberto Galletto galletto@wustl.edu .

Pre-Employment Screening
All 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 Statement
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.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington 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.