Job description
Location
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary
The Pereira Laboratory in the Department of Radiology at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary, NIH-funded research program at the interface of molecular imaging, antibody engineering, cancer biology, drug development, and translational oncology.Our laboratory develops next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), molecular imaging agents, and targeted therapeutics to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. We combine protein engineering, chemical biology, molecular imaging, computational biology, and spatial transcriptomics to understand therapeutic response and accelerate translation from preclinical discovery to clinical application.
The successful candidate will have experimental and analytical skills, excellent scientific writing and communication abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates should be highly motivated, organized, and eager to integrate experimental and computational approaches to address translational research questions while mentoring junior trainees and contributing to a positive laboratory environment. Candidates should have demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following areas: antibody engineering, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cancer biology, molecular imaging, or chemical biology. Experience with computational analysis of spatial transcriptomics or other high-dimensional datasets and strong data management skills are highly desirable.
We are seeking an independent and collaborative scientist interested in developing innovative antibody-based therapeutics while integrating computational approaches to study tumor biology and mechanisms of response and resistance.
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):
- Design and execute independent research projects focused on antibody engineering, ADC development, molecular imaging, and theragnostic agents.
- Develop and evaluate novel antibody conjugates using molecular, cellular, biochemical, and in vivo approaches.
- Perform cancer biology studies using cell lines, patient-derived models, and mouse models.
- Analyze and integrate molecular imaging, spatial transcriptomics, and other multi-omics datasets to identify biomarkers and mechanisms of therapeutic response.
- Develop computational workflows for spatial biology and imaging data analysis using R, Python, or related tools.
- Design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and critically interpret scientific findings.
- Organize, manage, and integrate experimental datasets in compliance with laboratory, institutional, and NIH data management and reproducibility standards.
- Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, grant proposals, and present research at national and international scientific meetings.
- Mentor graduate students and other laboratory trainees while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
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.
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:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Driver's License:
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: Antibody engineering, ADC development, protein conjugation, or chemical biology; spatial transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology; molecular imaging, radiochemistry, or image analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, scientific independence, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential for this position.
- Candidates with expertise in either experimental or computational research (and a willingness to develop complementary skills) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Questions
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Accommodation
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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.