Research Opportunities - McDonnell Genome Institute

About the role

• Location
• ST. LOUIS, MO 63108
• Scheduled Hours
• 40

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our functional genomics team at the Goldfarb Center for Neuronal Resiliency at the McDonnell Genome Institute, WashU Medicine. The Goldfarb Center for Neuronal Resiliency was established to identify new therapeutic targets and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS and Parkinson's disease.

Central to this effort are CRISPR screens that identify genes that make neurons more vulnerable or resilient to stress. These screens will use human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Work in the lab also integrates CRISPR perturbations with phenotypic assays and molecular readouts using flow cytometry, high content imaging, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell, spatial, and in situ profiling.

About The Goldfarb Center for Neuronal Resiliency

Led by Drs. Jeff Milbrandt and Rob Mitra, The Goldfarb Center for Neuronal Resiliency is a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment integrating functional genomics, stem cell engineering, neuroscience, high throughput imaging, next-generational sequencing, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery.

Our work is inspired by the observation that neurodegeneration is strikingly selective for specific neuronal populations. For example, in ALS, motor neurons degenerate while neighboring interneurons remain intact. Even within motor neurons, some subtypes are highly vulnerable, while others are resilient.

We believe these differences in resiliency provide clues to new therapeutic strategies that have yet to be harnessed for drug development. Specifically, our long-term goal is to discover therapeutics that activate resiliency factors or inhibit vulnerability factors in diseased neurons in order to restore them to heath and reverse the progression of these debilitating diseases.

Working Conditions

• Because some cell culture, differentiation, and time-sensitive experimental workflows require procedures on specific days, the successful candidate must be able to accommodate occasional weekend work when required by experimental schedules.
• 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.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

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

Bachelor's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

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

• Candidates with a bachelor's, master's degree, or PhD will be considered.
• Substantial research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly desirable:

• CRISPR/Cas genome editing, CRISPR screening, or functional genomics.
• Human iPSC culture and differentiation, particularly neuronal differentiation.
• Lentiviral vector production and transduction.
• Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Reporter assay development and engineered stable cell lines.
• qRT-PCR and Western blotting.
• DNA/RNA purification, PCR, cloning, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Next-generation sequencing and sequencing-library preparation.

Additional information

Experience with every technique listed above is not required. Candidates with a strong foundation in mammalian cell and molecular biology, demonstrated scientific independence, and the ability to rapidly learn new technologies are encouraged to apply.

Final appointment and title will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

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

• Communication, Laboratory Research, Organizing, Recordkeeping, Working Independently
• Grade
• 00

Salary Range

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.

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

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• 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.