Position Summary

The Bergom Laboratory at Washington University in the Division of Cancer Biology of the Department of Radiation Oncology is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow with training in molecular biology, cancer biology, bioengineering, and/or genetics and small animal work, preferably in the context of radiation biology and/or cardiovascular research. The laboratory focuses on identifying the genetic basis for sensitivity to cardiac radiation, as well as the mechanisms of radiation-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Another focus of the laboratory is to identify factors in the tumor microenvironment that alter radiation sensitivity in breast cancers. The overall goal of the laboratory is to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy by increasing efficacy or radiation in the tumor, while minimizing side effects from radiation exposure to normal tissues, with a special emphasis on radiation-induced cardiac disease.

The position offers an excellent opportunity to conduct research in a supportive and stimulating environment, closely collaborating with biologists, clinicians, and other scientists, within the Department and other Institutes across the campus, including the McDonnell Genome Institute and the Institute for Informatics, as well as the Preclinical Research Facility and the Mouse Cardiovascular Phenotyping Core. The lab is currently funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, NHLBI, and NIH.

Candidates are expected to use mouse and/or rat models of radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction and genetic models and pharmacologic approaches to identify new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes of patients who are exposed to cardiac radiation as part of their cancer treatment. Studies may also include tumor models examining whether changes in normal tissue radiation sensitivity alter the effectiveness of radiation therapy in tumors. Techniques employed include next generation sequencing and novel small animal and tumor imaging techniques.

The Cancer Biology Division within the Department of Radiation Oncology consists of a core group of clinical, biology, physics, and computational science investigators who use both archived and prospectively collected tumor samples and data on normal tissues to ask fundamental questions about radiotherapy efficacy and cancer biology. There is a strong focus on the identification of biomarkers that can be used to risk-stratify cancer patients and to identify patients for targeted therapies.

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

• Actively pursue research under the supervision of PI while developing skills for independent research. 
• Critically analyze and summarize scientific literature.
• Develop research questions, design and conduct experiments, and critically analyze data.
• Communicate methods, data, and results in presentations and via manuscript writing.
• Assist with grant preparation.

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in a science-related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• Experience in tumor biology and/or cardiovascular biology.
• Experience with pre-clinical and translational research involving animals.
• Highly motivated with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Familiarity with radiation biology.

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 

Please send the following documents as a single PDF to Dr. Carmen Bergom at cbergom@wustl.edu with the subject line “Postdoctoral candidate – your name”:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Three or more references

Carmen Bergom, MD, Ph.D.

Email: cbergom@wustl.edu

Washington University School of Medicine 

Siteman Cancer Center 

Department of Radiation Oncology 

4921 Parkview Place, Campus Box 8224

Saint Louis, Missouri 63110

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

The Bergom Laboratory at Washington University in the Division of Cancer Biology of the Department of Radiation Oncology is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow with training in molecular biology, cancer biology, bioengineering, and/or genetics and small animal work, preferably in the context of radiation biology and/or cardiovascular research. The laboratory focuses on identifying the genetic basis for sensitivity to cardiac radiation, as well as the mechanisms of radiation-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Another focus of the laboratory is to identify factors in the tumor microenvironment that alter radiation sensitivity in breast cancers. The overall goal of the laboratory is to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy by increasing efficacy or radiation in the tumor, while minimizing side effects from radiation exposure to normal tissues, with a special emphasis on radiation-induced cardiac disease.

The position offers an excellent opportunity to conduct research in a supportive and stimulating environment, closely collaborating with biologists, clinicians, and other scientists, within the Department and other Institutes across the campus, including the McDonnell Genome Institute and the Institute for Informatics, as well as the Preclinical Research Facility and the Mouse Cardiovascular Phenotyping Core. The lab is currently funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, NHLBI, and NIH.

Candidates are expected to use mouse and/or rat models of radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction and genetic models and pharmacologic approaches to identify new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes of patients who are exposed to cardiac radiation as part of their cancer treatment. Studies may also include tumor models examining whether changes in normal tissue radiation sensitivity alter the effectiveness of radiation therapy in tumors. Techniques employed include next generation sequencing and novel small animal and tumor imaging techniques.

The Cancer Biology Division within the Department of Radiation Oncology consists of a core group of clinical, biology, physics, and computational science investigators who use both archived and prospectively collected tumor samples and data on normal tissues to ask fundamental questions about radiotherapy efficacy and cancer biology. There is a strong focus on the identification of biomarkers that can be used to risk-stratify cancer patients and to identify patients for targeted therapies.

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

• Actively pursue research under the supervision of PI while developing skills for independent research. 
• Critically analyze and summarize scientific literature.
• Develop research questions, design and conduct experiments, and critically analyze data.
• Communicate methods, data, and results in presentations and via manuscript writing.
• Assist with grant preparation.

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in a science-related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• Experience in tumor biology and/or cardiovascular biology.
• Experience with pre-clinical and translational research involving animals.
• Highly motivated with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Familiarity with radiation biology.

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 

Please send the following documents as a single PDF to Dr. Carmen Bergom at cbergom@wustl.edu with the subject line “Postdoctoral candidate – your name”:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Three or more references

Carmen Bergom, MD, Ph.D.

Email: cbergom@wustl.edu

Washington University School of Medicine 

Siteman Cancer Center 

Department of Radiation Oncology 

4921 Parkview Place, Campus Box 8224

Saint Louis, Missouri 63110

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.