Washington University in St. Louis, often abbreviated as WashU, stands as one of the premier private research universities in the United States. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, it attracts top talent from around the world for its jobs in higher education. The university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, groundbreaking research, and commitment to excellence across disciplines. With a beautiful 169-acre campus in the Clayton suburb, WashU offers a dynamic environment for professionals seeking careers in academia, research, and administration.
Jobs at Washington University in St. Louis span faculty positions, research roles, staff opportunities, and leadership posts. The university employs over 15,000 individuals, making it a major economic contributor to the St. Louis region. Its School of Medicine is particularly famous, consistently ranking among the top in the nation for research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), receiving more than $700 million annually in recent years.
Established in 1853 by Wayman Crow and William Greenleaf Eliot as a response to the need for higher education in the Midwest, Washington University in St. Louis has evolved from a small institution into a global leader. Originally named Washington Institute in honor of George Washington, it adopted its current name in 1857. The university played a pivotal role during World War II, contributing to the Manhattan Project through its physics department. Today, it boasts 12 graduate and undergraduate schools, serving over 15,000 students and hosting world-class research facilities.
This rich history influences its job market, emphasizing tradition blended with innovation. Professionals interested in university jobs find a legacy of excellence that supports long-term career growth.
📚 WashU offers diverse programs through schools like Arts & Sciences, the Olin Business School, McKelvey School of Engineering, School of Law, and the top-ranked School of Medicine. Popular departments include Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Neuroscience, and Public Health. These programs drive demand for specialized faculty and researchers.
The university's interdisciplinary approach, such as the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity, creates unique job opportunities that bridge fields like medicine and engineering.
Careers at WashU include tenure-track professor positions, adjunct roles, postdoctoral fellowships, research assistants, lab managers, administrative staff in HR and finance, and executive leadership like deans. Faculty jobs often require teaching and research, while staff roles focus on operations. For a full breakdown, see our guide on university job types.
For most faculty and research jobs at Washington University in St. Louis, a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., MD, JD) in the relevant field is mandatory. Research assistant positions typically require a bachelor's or master's degree, with preference for advanced training. Executive roles may need an MBA or extensive experience. Clinical positions demand licensure and board certification.
🔬 WashU excels in biomedical research, cancer studies, neuroscience, and data science. Expertise in genomics, immunotherapy, AI applications in healthcare, and sustainable engineering is highly sought. The university's Danforth Campus houses state-of-the-art labs, and the Medical School campus features the BJC Institute of Health.
Candidates should align with initiatives like the Knight Cancer Institute or the McDonnell Genome Institute.
Employers at WashU prioritize candidates with peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 10+ in top journals), grant funding success (NSF, NIH), teaching experience at accredited institutions, and postdoctoral training. For staff roles, 3-5 years in higher ed administration is ideal. Learn more about thriving in research roles via postdoctoral success tips.
Essential skills include strong communication, grant writing, data analysis (R, Python), mentoring students, and collaboration. Soft skills like adaptability and leadership are crucial for team-based research. Technical competencies vary by role, such as lab techniques for scientists or ERP systems for admins.
Key terms for jobs at Washington University in St. Louis:
The application process begins on the WashU Workday careers site. Submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, and three references. Tips:
For academic CV advice, check how to write a winning academic CV.
🌍 WashU is committed to diversity through the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which offers mentoring for underrepresented faculty. The Myra Struckmeyer Diversity Professorships support women and minorities in STEM. The university's Inclusive Excellence initiative includes bias training and recruitment goals, with 40% underrepresented minorities in graduate programs. Programs like the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) aid diverse researchers.
WashU promotes work-life balance with flexible hours, remote options for some roles, generous parental leave (up to 12 weeks), and on-site childcare. Campus life in St. Louis features the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, athletic facilities, and events like Thurtene Carnival. Employees access the Employee Assistance Program for wellness. The location offers affordable living compared to coastal cities, with proximity to Forest Park and the Gateway Arch.
Jobs at Washington University in St. Louis provide exceptional opportunities in a top-tier research environment. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or research positions, leverage higher ed career advice from AcademicJobs.com. Explore university jobs listings and consider posting a job if recruiting. With its strong rankings and St. Louis location, WashU is ideal for academic careers. For branding tips, see employer branding secrets.
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