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Form of workJob Description
Position Summary
This is an opportunity to work as a postdoc in the LeRoux lab at Washington University School of Medicine. We are a microbiology laboratory focused on studying the interaction between bacteria and their viral predators, bacteriophage. We investigate the molecular arms race between bacteria and these viruses by discovering and characterizing new bacterial phage defense mechanisms, as well as the mechanisms that phage have evolved to overcome this bacterial "immune system" in both E. coli and opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We use a combination of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and sequencing approaches. One of our long-term goals is to use the knowledge we gain to advance the treatment of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections with bacteriophage (phage therapy).
The position will involve day-to-day decision making regarding scientific direction and experimental implementation. The applicant will manage projects with independence to develop new directions for the laboratory investigating phage defense mechanisms in opportunistic pathogens. These pathogens display high levels of antibiotic resistance and are increasingly leading to untreatable infections in humans. This study will inform efforts to develop a potential antibiotic alternative, phage therapy, to some of the highest priority bacterial pathogens. For more information on the lab, please visit www.leroux-lab.org.
In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for Postdoctoral Researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.
Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
Preferred Qualifications
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 email your C.V. and a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this position to Dr. LeRoux at mleroux@wustl.edu.
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.
Position Summary
This is an opportunity to work as a postdoc in the LeRoux lab at Washington University School of Medicine. We are a microbiology laboratory focused on studying the interaction between bacteria and their viral predators, bacteriophage. We investigate the molecular arms race between bacteria and these viruses by discovering and characterizing new bacterial phage defense mechanisms, as well as the mechanisms that phage have evolved to overcome this bacterial "immune system" in both E. coli and opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We use a combination of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and sequencing approaches. One of our long-term goals is to use the knowledge we gain to advance the treatment of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections with bacteriophage (phage therapy).
The position will involve day-to-day decision making regarding scientific direction and experimental implementation. The applicant will manage projects with independence to develop new directions for the laboratory investigating phage defense mechanisms in opportunistic pathogens. These pathogens display high levels of antibiotic resistance and are increasingly leading to untreatable infections in humans. This study will inform efforts to develop a potential antibiotic alternative, phage therapy, to some of the highest priority bacterial pathogens. For more information on the lab, please visit www.leroux-lab.org.
In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for Postdoctoral Researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.
Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Manages their own projects, which should lead to first author publications. Includes designing research experiments and evaluating research findings.
- Develops expertise in bacterial and phage genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical methods.
- 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.
- Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
- Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
- 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., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
Preferred Qualifications
- Skills and/or experience in at least some of the following areas: bacterial cultivation, molecular biology (including molecular cloning, RNA and DNA extraction), western blotting, bacterial genetics, some familiarity with NGS sequencing and data analysis.
- Interpersonal skills appropriate to a team-based enterprise.
- Ability to develop new assays and experimental approaches.
- Strong work ethic, professionalism, and organizational skills.
- Data management, documentation, quantitative and experimental rigor, and a strong commitment to scientific ethics.
- Willingness to learn new skills and teach others.
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 email your C.V. and a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this position to Dr. LeRoux at mleroux@wustl.edu.
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.
