Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research (Scholar or Associate) Position Open in Dr. David Spencer’s Lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine.

Dr. David Spencer is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead exciting new projects in the field of Cancer Genetics. The Spencer lab studies human genomics, cancer genetics, gene regulation, and the genomics and epigenetics of acute myeloid leukemia and has published articles in Cancer Cell, Cell, Leukemia, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The lab has extensive expertise in both bench science and bioinformatics and is a key member of the cancer genetics group at Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Spencer has received funding from ASH, the Cancer Research Foundation, Doris Duke, Siteman Cancer Research Fund, and the NCI, and has extensive collaborations with the McDonnell Genome Institute and investigators funded by the Genomics of AML Program Project Grant.

This Postdoctoral Researcher will play a lead role in current studies of epigenetics, gene regulation, and 3D genome architecture in acute myeloid leukemia using primary human samples, cell lines, and mouse models. Responsibilities will be to design, perform, and analyze data from genomic assays, including HiC, CUT&RUN, ChIP-seq, single cell RNA-seq. Experiments will also include CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of AML cells and massively parallel reporter assays to investigate gene dysregulation in leukemia. There will be opportunities for development of new cell line and animal models and testing, evaluation, and analysis of new genomic technologies. Authorship on high-profile publications that result from this work is expected.

The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Spencer on a day-to-day basis, allowing for close mentorship to promote career development, including an independent research program and external funding. Further career and professional development training provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional 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

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor, including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Further develops expertise in genomic assays and data analysis (HiC, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, single cell RNA-seq, single cell ATAC, PLAC-seq, HiChIP, and others).
• Develops computational biology and bioinformatics expertise.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.  All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cancer biology or a related field.
• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology laboratory techniques, including cell culture, cloning, PCR, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, next-generation sequencing library generation and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Data analysis skills, including data management, statistical analysis, and basic unix commands.

Preferred Qualifications

Bioinformatics expertise is highly recommended, such as NGS data processing and analysis, and experience with R, perl, python, or similar scripting languages.

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

When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two “Quick Apply” options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the “Quick Apply” page by clicking “Next” at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.

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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

Job Description

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research (Scholar or Associate) Position Open in Dr. David Spencer’s Lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine.

Dr. David Spencer is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead exciting new projects in the field of Cancer Genetics. The Spencer lab studies human genomics, cancer genetics, gene regulation, and the genomics and epigenetics of acute myeloid leukemia and has published articles in Cancer Cell, Cell, Leukemia, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The lab has extensive expertise in both bench science and bioinformatics and is a key member of the cancer genetics group at Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Spencer has received funding from ASH, the Cancer Research Foundation, Doris Duke, Siteman Cancer Research Fund, and the NCI, and has extensive collaborations with the McDonnell Genome Institute and investigators funded by the Genomics of AML Program Project Grant.

This Postdoctoral Researcher will play a lead role in current studies of epigenetics, gene regulation, and 3D genome architecture in acute myeloid leukemia using primary human samples, cell lines, and mouse models. Responsibilities will be to design, perform, and analyze data from genomic assays, including HiC, CUT&RUN, ChIP-seq, single cell RNA-seq. Experiments will also include CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of AML cells and massively parallel reporter assays to investigate gene dysregulation in leukemia. There will be opportunities for development of new cell line and animal models and testing, evaluation, and analysis of new genomic technologies. Authorship on high-profile publications that result from this work is expected.

The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Spencer on a day-to-day basis, allowing for close mentorship to promote career development, including an independent research program and external funding. Further career and professional development training provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional 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

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor, including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Further develops expertise in genomic assays and data analysis (HiC, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, single cell RNA-seq, single cell ATAC, PLAC-seq, HiChIP, and others).
• Develops computational biology and bioinformatics expertise.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.  All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cancer biology or a related field.
• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology laboratory techniques, including cell culture, cloning, PCR, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, next-generation sequencing library generation and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Data analysis skills, including data management, statistical analysis, and basic unix commands.

Preferred Qualifications

Bioinformatics expertise is highly recommended, such as NGS data processing and analysis, and experience with R, perl, python, or similar scripting languages.

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

When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two “Quick Apply” options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the “Quick Apply” page by clicking “Next” at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.

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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.