Position Summary

One Postdoctoral Research Associate position is open in the Harbison lab at Washington University in St. Louis in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery studying tumor immunometabolism. The Harbison lab aims to test the extent to which altered systemic and local metabolism in the tumor microenvironment affects anti-tumor T cell function. Our overarching objective is to develop novel metabolic approaches for improving the immune response to cancer. We use a variety of techniques including in vitro and in vivo assays in mice while leveraging human head and neck cancer specimens to test our hypotheses. We are actively designing a clinical trial testing the effect of nutritional therapy on metabolic regulation of human tumor infiltrating immune cells and the impact on effector function, differentiation, and TCR signaling.

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

A candidate with a PhD and/or MD is being sought to play a primary role in design, implementation, and reporting of the main objectives of the lab. The candidate will perform experiments using human biospecimens, murine models, in vitro immunologic assays, metabolomic assays (e.g., stable isotope tracing, mass spectrometry) as well as any techniques necessary to test our hypotheses. Career development is a central goal of the position, and the candidate will learn and advance their knowledge in a broad spectrum of translational immunometabolomic research through direct interaction with the PI, seminars, and joint lab meetings with members of the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Washington University. Funding is for up to three years with additional years possible.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Highly motivated and passionate researchers with a M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree and a rigorous training in immunology, cancer biology, or related areas are preferred for the positions. Furthermore, the candidates should have experience with immunology and be comfortable working with mice and/or patient samples.

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.

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.