Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiation Oncology

About the role

Location

Position Summary

A full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD, in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The NIH-funded laboratory studies the effects of radiation on the heart, lungs, and tumors, with three goals: understanding and preventing radiation-induced cardiac and pulmonary injury in patients with cancer; developing localized cardiac radiation as a therapy for cardiac disease; and identifying strategies, including dietary and metabolic approaches, that enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy in tumors.

Projects use rodent models of heart failure, pulmonary toxicity, and cancer; image-guided small animal irradiation; and cell, iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte, and organoid systems, combined with single-nucleus RNA sequencing, proteomics, and flow cytometry. The laboratory collaborates closely with cardiology, immunology, imaging, and clinical investigators, with opportunities to connect preclinical findings to ongoing clinical studies.

We seek a highly motivated, independent scientist pursuing a career in translational research. Bioinformatics expertise, particularly in single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptomics, is a strong plus.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including

• Design, conduct, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments, including large sequencing datasets.
• Write manuscripts and grant applications; present findings at national meetings.
• Mentor students and research staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 submit a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, a CV, and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is available beginning February 1, 2027.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications /Professional Licenses

• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
• Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in radiation biology, cardiovascular, cancer, or molecular biology, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, or a related field, awarded within the past three years or expected before the start date.
• First-author publications and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with rodent models.
• Bioinformatics, such as single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomic analysis.
• Flow cytometry, immunostaining, molecular biology, primary cell culture, or organoid culture.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications /Professional Licenses

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills

Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 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.