Job Title

Scheduled Hours 40 Position Summary A Staff Scientist (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Sadaf Amin at WashU Medicine in St. Louis to investigate innate immune pathways in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. The Amin Lab studies the role of neuro-immune interactions in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and age-related brain disorders. We are an enthusiastic and collaborative team seeking a highly motivated individual to join our new and growing research group. Projects are available to (1) study immune-RNA crosstalk in neurodegeneration to decipher the role of maladaptive innate immune pathways in neuronal stress and death, and (2) examine how innate immune activation contributes to microglial dysfunction and senescence in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We use a combination of iPSC-based systems and transgenic mouse models coupled with novel approaches including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9 screening, and interactome profiling. The work will contribute to our overall goal of advancing novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease. Candidates with backgrounds in stem cell biology, computational biology, or neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply. Designs research protocols. Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis and documentation of experiment results. Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities: A background on our research can be found by reading some of our recent papers at * Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data. * Assists with grant preparation and reporting. * Performs complex statistical analysis of data collected and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data submitted and makes recommendations based on these analyses. * Documents research topics and prepares and submits papers based on research work to publications and committees for publication or presentation to peers. * Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods. * Conducts literature searches related to research project. * Performs other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: * Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. * Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals. 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: Master'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: Laboratory Operations (3 Years) Skills: Not Applicable Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position. More About This Job Preferred Qualifications: * A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. and postdoctoral research experience in neuroscience, computational biology, cell and developmental biology, or a related discipline involving the interrogation of cellular pathways using in vitro platforms and 'omics' datasets. * Prior experience with iPSC-based culture techniques and in vitro disease modeling (highly beneficial). * Familiarity with transgenic mouse models and proper mouse handling techniques. * Skills in at least one programming language (R, or Python) are strongly preferred. * Proficiency in conducting or analyzing single-nucleus RNA sequencing data and experience with Seurat or similar gene-based association tools is encouraged. Preferred Qualifications Education: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy 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: Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations Grade R10 Salary Range $48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually 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 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. 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. For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: EEO Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.