Postdoctoral Research Associate - Genetics

Position SummaryThe Turner Lab at WashU in St. Louis focuses on advancing the emerging field of Precision Genomics, which we define as “determining all possible relevant genomic variation within an individual to the precise nucleotide.” Precision Genomics is a cornerstone under the umbrella of Precision Medicine, addressing critical challenges in genomic interpretation and translation. The lab investigates fundamental limitations to achieving comprehensive genomic insights, including:

• Interpretation of noncoding variation
• Variants missed due to current genomic technologies
• Speed and efficiency of genomic workflows
• Combined effects of rare and/or common multi-hit variants
• Gene × environment interactions

The lab employs a range of approaches, including cutting-edge sequencing technologies, computational genomics, functional assays, and integrated data analysis. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher who shares our passion for solving foundational problems in human genetics and genomics, with expanded interests in computational biology, functional genomics, and neuroscience.

Example projects within the university and with external partners:

• Noncoding Variation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Investigating the
functional impact of noncoding genetic variants in neurodevelopmental
disorders, including the identification of novel regulatory elements and their
roles in brain development.
• Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in 9p-Related Syndromes: Investigating the
genotype-phenotype correlations in 9p-related syndromes (e.g., 9p deletion
syndrome, 9p duplication syndrome), identifying specific genomic variants
and their relationship to clinical manifestations, and understanding the
molecular mechanisms behind these rare disorders.
• Methods Development: Developing novel computational tools, pipelines, or
algorithms to improve the accuracy and speed of genomic workflows,
particularly for rare variants and noncoding regions.
• Functional Follow-up: Implementing functional assays to validate the effects
of candidate variants, such as CRISPR-based gene editing or RNA-seq to
assess gene expression changes, and linking these findings to clinical
phenotypes.
• Examining Differences in Autism and Cancer: Exploring how genomic
variation in common pathways contributes to both neurodevelopmental
disorders like autism and cancers, focusing on shared regulatory
mechanisms, genetic overlap, or specific mutations that may affect both
conditions.

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):

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, under the supervision of Dr. Turner, focused on one or more of the five major challenges outlined in Precision Genomics.
• Develop and apply computational and/or experimental techniques to identify and interpret genomic variation.
• Analyze large-scale genomic and multi-omic datasets using custom and existing pipelines.
• Design and implement functional validation assays for candidate variants, genes, or regulatory elements.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, and contribute to high-impact publications.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to lab meetings and collaborative projects within the university and with external partners.

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. - Genetics

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with regulatory genomics, noncoding variant interpretation, or genome assembly/structural variant detection.
• At least two first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong publication record demonstrating independent research ability.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: next-generation sequencing analysis, statistical genetics, genome editing, or functional genomics.
• Experience with high-throughput molecular biology assays.
• Experience with complex functional experiments.
• Background in machine learning, AI, or data integration for genomic datasets.
• Familiarity with gene-environment interaction studies.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience with high-performance computing and parallel computing techniques including working in the cloud.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

AI Programming, C++ Programming Language, Data Integration, Genome Assembly, Genomic Data Analysis, Genomics, Independent Research, Machine Learning, Molecular Biology Techniques, Python (Programming Language), Rust (Programming Language)

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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu 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 ScreeningAll 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 StatementWashington 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 https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO StatementWashington 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.