Position Summary

We are an NIH-funded laboratory in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Washington University. The overarching goal of our research program is to determine how epithelial cell-derived proteins can be harnessed to mitigate the risk of acute lung injury in various settings, to ultimately reduce the burden of end-stage lung disease. We have active projects investigating lung injury due to bacterial infections (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa ), and the short- and long-term consequences of ischemia-reperfusion injury occurring in the context of lung transplantation. We utilize state-of-the-art technical modalities including high-throughput screening, multiparameter flow cytometry, protein and DNA-based molecular biology, biochemistry, cell/tissue culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and DNA/RNA sequencing. Additionally, we draw upon a robust biorepository of lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and DNA from patients to guide and validate our research. Recent work includes:

• Ma et al. Increased complement activation is a distinctive feature of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Immunol 2021.
• Scozzi et al. Circulating mitochondrial DNA is an early indicator of severe illness and mortality from COVID-19. JCI Insight 2021.
• Sahu et al. Emerging roles of the complement system in host-pathogen interactions. Trends Microbiol 2022.
• Sahu et al. Lung epithelial cell-derived C3 protects against pneumonia-induced lung injury. Sci Immunol 2023.

Prior expertise in molecular and cell biology, and/or bioinformatics will be helpful. This would be a good opportunity for someone with such prior experience to learn more immunology and strengthen concepts in bioinformatics, thereby training from a mentored position towards an independent position in academics, industry, or administration.

For additional details, visit: sites.wustl.edu/kulkarnilab .

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.

External Applicant Instructions

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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.