Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cell Biology

Position SummaryThe Marti Lab in the Department of Cell Biology & Physiology builds next-generation imaging and AI tools to reveal how health, aging, and disease progress inside living mammals. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with physics or engineering expertise who will design and operate a 3D super-resolution ultrasound system, write control software, build computational imaging pipelines, and use deep learning to gain insight into biological processes. You will also gain direct exposure to cardiovascular physiology and rodent imaging in close collaboration with biologists. We work closely with lab members to develop the skills, confidence, and creativity needed to explore the intersection of biology, technology, and AI.

The main goal of a postdoctoral appointment at WashU in St. Louis is to continue your training under the mentorship of an experienced researcher, develop your professional and academic skills, and gain independence to decide the direction of your career. All Marti Lab members receive mentoring in writing, speaking, and career planning, and help build a culture based on kindness, curiosity, humor, and the joy of discovery.

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/.

For more information on the lab please visit https://martilab.com/. 

Trains under the supervision of Prof. Edward Marti including (but not limited to) the following activities:

• Build and optimize ultrasound rigs and imaging of neonatal and adult rodents (mice and rats).
• Develop acquisition and control code in MATLAB using a Verasonics Vantage NXT platform.
• Create AI/ML analysis pipelines in python for large longitudinal 3D datasets.
• Perform longitudinal ultrasound imaging during development and disease.
• Collaborate closely with teammates on experiments, data analysis, and presentations.
• Contribute to laboratory organization and coordinate collaborations between groups.
• Mentor doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students engaged in independent research activities.
• Independently design research experiments, evaluate research findings, and report results at major scientific conferences.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in physics, bioengineering, electrical or mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field with experience building imaging instrumentation and interest in biological applications.
• Hands-on work with Verasonics Vantage or similar programmable ultrasound systems.
• Practical experience implementing image-reconstruction algorithms.
• Demonstrated skill in handling mouse and rat neonates or adults for in vivo imaging.
• Competence in mechanical or optomechanical design (CAD, 3D printing) for custom animal and transducer mounts.
• Experience applying deep learning to medical or volumetric imaging data.

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:

Not Applicable

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.