Position Summary

The Dorn lab at Washington University in St. Louis studies mitochondrial dynamics (fusion, fission and trafficking) in heart and neurological disease. Our major research target is mitofusin (MFN) proteins. Our goal is to understand how altered mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy causes disease, and to develop novel pharmacological tools for disease mitigation. Our team uncovered molecular mechanisms regulating mitofusins and rationally designed drugs to modulate mitofusin activity that reverse mitofusin dysfunction in pre-clinical systems. In vitro mechanistic studies using cultured fibroblasts, primary and reprogrammed neurons, and cardiomyocytes are integrated with disease phenotyping of conditional transgenic, and other techniques with rodent models.

We seek an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Associate candidate to pursue innovative, independent basic and translational research into the functional interactions between mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. By genetically manipulating critical signaling genes in knockout or knockin mouse models we uncovered novel interactions between key mitochondrial dynamics factors and uncovered novel mechanisms of human disease. As an outgrowth of this work we developed novel cell-permeant peptide and small molecule modulators of mitochondrial fusion that show therapeutic efficacy in models of neurodegenerative and cardiac disease.

Our researchers gain cutting-edge expertise in molecular and cell biology, advanced imaging, proteomics and transcriptomics, and cardiac and neurological pathophysiology. Each team member benefits from a collaborative environment and personal attention. This project is NIH funded for at least the next four years and is an outstanding opportunity for the successful applicant to work in collaboration with other lab members to learn and apply sophisticated molecular, cell biology, physiologic, and multi-omics techniques with an emphasis on translational application to human disease.

For more information on the lab, please visit pharmacogenomics.wustl.edu/research/dorn-lab/ .

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

Required Qualifications

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

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

To apply, please email Dr. Gerald Dorn (gdorn@wustl.edu ) with a CV, including three contact references, and a cover letter expressing research interests. Please include the keyword “Application” in the e-mail subject when applying.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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.