Position Summary

A postdoctoral position with a bioinformatics focus is available in the Molecular Oncology Laboratory of Dr. Dimitrios Mathios, MD, at The Brain Tumor Center of Washington University School of Medicine. Our laboratory aims to harness the expansive knowledge in brain cancer genomics, cancer epigenomics and immunogenomics to design liquid biopsy assays that will help us diagnose patients with brain tumors without the need for invasive surgeries. The goal of the lab is to take the liquid biopsy technologies developed in the lab and translate them to tests that can be used to guide patient care. 

The postdoctoral research associate will work under the supervision of a faculty investigator and will be responsible for applying and developing computational and statistical methods for the integrated analysis of high-throughput sequencing studies that may include whole genome, methylation, and/or RNA sequencing platforms. Our lab has extensively published in the field of liquid biopsy (Nature Communications, Nature Genetics, Cancer Discovery) for cancer detection and we have recently extended our efforts in using novel genomic and epigenomic technologies such as cfDNA fragmentomics for detection of brain cancer, a cancer that is the hardest to detect in the blood of patients, using machine learning algorithms. The candidate will be spearheading projects to further improve and optimize the existing technology and will be given the opportunity to develop additional novel technologies towards the main goal of the lab. 

Ongoing projects:

cfDNA fragmentation for non-invasive brain tumor diagnosis. cfDNA fragmentation as a biomarker of response to chemoradiation for brain tumor treatment. Assessment of sequencing technologies for development of multiomic genomic and epigenomic liquid biopsy approaches.

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

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Ph.D and/or M.D.) in computer science, statistics, bioinformatics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field, or anticipation of degree conferral in the near future.
• Minimum two years of prior experience in biomedical computational research.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, writing, and visualization skills.
• Self-motivation and an interest in biomedical careers.
• Experience with experimental design and reproducible research principles.
• Experience with genomic data and computational biology tools and databases.
• Familiarity with R, C++, Perl, Python.
• Microsoft office proficiency, especially Excel.

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 send a cover letter, their C.V. and a list of two or three references to mathios@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.