Position Summary

Job Description

Position Summary

The Castro Lab in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experiments related to the neural mechanisms of appetitive and aversive behaviors, or related to diabetes and pancreatic control over glucose homeostasis.

Opioid use and misuse has resulted in one of the worst public health crises of the 21st century. One major contributor for why this crisis has been so difficult to combat is that opioids possess both therapeutic (e.g., pain relief) and undesirable (e.g., addictive) properties. Until recently, the ability to parse specific opioid subsystems has been limited due inadequate technologies. In the Castro Lab, we use and develop tools that allow us to examine the biological mechanisms of opioids with molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral resolution. Some of the tools we use include: multi-color fiber photometry, multi-color 1-photon endoscopic imaging, fluorescent in situ hybridization, genetic knockout/knockin models, wireless optogenetics, and CRISPR-Cas9.

The Castro Lab is embedded within the Biophotonics Research Center (BRC), a consortium of independent labs housed within the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR). Together, these labs develop and utilize myriad of optical technologies for neuroscience, cancer, and metabolic research. Additionally, as part of the MIR, individuals would have access to the Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Facility, which provides state of the art preclinical imaging at Washington University in St. Louis. The lab is also affiliated with the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders and the Diabetes Research Center.

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

• Conducts research studies (cell and animal studies).
• Collects and enters data, and maintains data files on research.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists with general lab maintenance.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous animal behavior or stereotaxic experience.
• Pipetting and other basic wet lab skills.
• Interest in neuroscience or metabolic research.
• Experience with MATLAB/python.
• Static incubation and ELISA experience.

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 should submit their applications through this web portal. Additionally, applications may reach out directly to Dr. Castro to learn more about the specific projects going on in the lab.

Required Qualifications

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

Grade
Z

Salary Range
$56,880.00 - $56,880.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

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

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/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.