Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Open in the Schindler Lab (Department of Neurology) in fluid biomarker assay development.

The Schindler Lab is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to analyze high performance blood- and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD). In the last three years there has been rapid development of blood-based biomarkers for brain amyloidosis (A?42/A?40), tau pathology (phosphorylated tau [pTau] isoforms) and neurodegeneration (neurofilament light chain protein [NfL]). By using a combination of blood-based biomarkers that reflect aspects of AD pathology, it may be possible to use a single blood sample to predict current or future symptomatic AD. It is critical to understand that while brain amyloidosis is strongly associated with AD dementia, brain amyloidosis is not synonymous with AD dementia. For a given level of brain amyloidosis, the expression of symptoms is likely modified by other pathologies, such as the extent of tau pathology and neurodegeneration. Further, the concept of resilience suggests that at a given burden of pathology, individual factors may influence the expression of symptoms. These factors may include age, sex, educational attainment, level of social engagement, and medical comorbidities. Statistical models that link biomarker levels with cognitive and clinical measures can transform a biomarker test into a test for current or future symptomatic AD.

We now seek a postdoctoral fellow with strong statistical skills to analyze high performance blood- and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD), including plasma A?42/A?40, pTau isoforms, and NfL. Questions will include the correspondence of these markers with brain amyloidosis and symptomatic AD. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with world leaders in AD research, including experts in fluid biomarkers, brain imaging, genetics, and cognitive assessments. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

Consistent with its academic mission and standards, the Washington University School of Medicine is committed to achieving excellence through diversity. As a community of faculty, staff and students engaged in research, patient care, scholarship, teaching and learning, the School of Medicine fosters an environment that is diverse, humane, and welcoming. Efforts are made to provide a supportive environment in which people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures may encounter each other in a spirit of cooperation, openness, and mutual respect.

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

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will train under the mentorship of Dr. Suzanne Schindler and Dr. Yan Li, with additional training from other lab members. The postdoctoral research associate will have the following responsibilities:

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develops expertise in analyzing biomarker data.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their 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 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.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres 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.

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

Interested applicants can send a CV to Dr. Schindler at schindlers@neuro.wustl.edu .

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.