Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in Dr. Nardhy Gomez-Lopez's laboratory at WashU Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences.

Dr. Gomez-Lopez's research is primarily focused on the immunological pathways that lead to obstetrical disorders, with the goals of improving the understanding of the mechanisms of disease and of developing methods for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pregnancy complications.

The chosen candidate will play a critical role in advancing research projects and ensuring the successful completion of scientific studies. Applicants with a strong background in computational biology are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at

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

The primary duties of this position will encompass both dry and wet lab operations.

Dry Lab Operations:

• Analyze large-scale datasets including single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, microbiome data, proteomics, and other high-throughput platforms.
• Apply appropriate statistical methods and bioinformatic pipelines in alignment with experimental design.
• Generate publication-quality figures and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.

Wet Lab Operations:

• Design and perform immunological assays using human and murine tissues, including flow cytometry, ELISA, multiplex cytokine analysis, and immunohistochemistry.
• Isolate and characterize immune cells from gestational and reproductive tissues, as well as peripheral blood, in both humans and mice.
• Conduct in vivo experiments in mouse models of pregnancy and inflammation.
• Process tissue samples for downstream molecular applications such as RNA/protein extraction, histological staining, and spatial imaging.
• Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including genotyping and timed pregnancies relevant to maternal-fetal immunology studies.
• Collaborate with team members to link immunological data with transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide meaningful contributions to the experimental design of new projects.
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds to successfully complete projects.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

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:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications:

No additional certification unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing

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 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

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 to view a summary of benefits.

EEO 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.Washington University is dedicated to building a 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.

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