"Postdoctoral Research Associate - Molecular Microbiology"

Position Summary

The López Lab at WashU is seeking a biochemist with robust experience in protein purification and/or RNA biology to join our multidisciplinary team. Our laboratory investigates the interaction of respiratory viruses with the host. The candidate will work on the key interaction of host sentinels proteins with viral RNA that leads to the onset of the antiviral response and determines the outcome of the infection.

Individuals who join this lab as a postdoctoral appointee will gain advanced research skills in virology, cell biology, imaging tools and molecular virology, among others. Members of the lab work as a team, supporting one another’s individual projects. With multiple graduate and undergraduate members, postdoctoral appointees can gain valuable mentorship and leadership skills.

Postdoctoral appointees are also encouraged to pursue independent funding and will work closely with Dr. Lopez to sharpen their grant writing skills.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Conducts high-quality research in host-virus interactions.
• Performs protein purification and protein/RNA structural studies.
• Collaborates with team members on multidisciplinary projects.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence 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.

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:

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to clopezzalaquett@wustl.edu:

• A cover letter outlining their research interest and qualifications.
• A detailed CV, including list of publications.
• Contact information for three recommendations.

Please note that only candidates who meet the essential qualifications in protein purification and/or RNA biology will be considered.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in protein purification and/or RNA biology is essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.