Position Summary

Postdoctoral positions are immediately available in the NIH-funded Shao lab within the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. We are part of the Center of Genome Integrity (siteman.wustl.edu/research/center-for-genome-integrity/ ) and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center (siteman.wustl.edu ), an NCI-designated leading cancer institute in the US (ranked 10th nationally). The Shao lab is located in the state-of-the-art Couch Biochemical Research building known for its open, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative environment. As a curiosity-driven cancer biology lab, we are interested in dissecting the mechanisms of novel cancer targets with the overarching goal of improving patient outcome. Currently, a major research theme of the lab is genome integrity maintenance – an important underpinning of chemotherapy efficacy – with specific focus on two multi-functional proteins, i.e. actin-binding factor Profilin-1 and AAA+ ATPase p97/VCP. Both are essential proteins with well-known functions in the cytoplasm, yet play poorly understood roles in the nucleus. Our recent work (Zhu et al, Nature Communications, 2022; Zhu et al, Cell Reports, 2021 and 2020; Wang et al, Cancers, 2021; Wang et al, Front Cell Dev Biol, 2021) linked nuclear Profilin-1 and p97/VCP to fundamentally important cellular processes including DNA replication fork dynamics and stability, transcriptional control, DNA damage repair, and cell cycle checkpoint. In addition to discovering novel nuclear biology of these two proteins, our work also uncovered their clinical relevance to cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance. It is our ultimate goal to leverage mechanistic insights from such studies to unveil or create “Achilles heels” of cancer cells for more effective treatments. More information can be found on www.shaolab.org . siteman.wustl.edu/research/center-for-genome-integrity/cgi-members/jieya-shao-phd/ .

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

• Define the role of nuclear profilin-1 in DNA replication fork dynamics and stress response in wild type and BRCA-mutant cells and the causal effect on PARP inhibitor efficacy.
• Examine the therapeutic effects of nuclear profilin-1, by blocking its nuclear export, on cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to chemotherapies using genetic and patient-derived small animal xenograft models.
• Define the regulatory mechanisms of p97/VCP and its Ser784 phosphorylation during normal DNA replication and stressed replication fork response to genotoxic chemotherapies.
• Evaluate the clinical utility of pSer784-VCP as a chemo-predictive biomarker and chemo-sensitizing target.
• Investigate the mechanistic link between autophagy and DNA damage response as mediated by p97/VCP.

Required Qualifications

• We are seeking highly self-motivated PhD or MD/PhD scientists with strong background in molecular and cellular biology.
• The candidates must have peer-reviewed, first-author publications of original findings in reputable journals.
• They must be thoroughly familiar with common laboratory techniques including cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, PCR, molecular cloning, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Though not required, computational skills and knowledge and experience in transgenic and patient-derived mouse xenograft models are highly desirable.
• Conceptual understanding of DNA replication stress and genome integrity maintenance and related technical experience (e.g., DNA fiber and iPOND assays) are also a plus.

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 contact Dr. Jieya Shao by email (shao.j@wustl.edu ) with an updated CV and a cover letter containing a research statement as well as contact information for three or more references.

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.