Postdoctoral Research Associate (Genetics and Genomics of Neurodegeneration) - Psychiatry

Position SummaryThe Cruchaga Lab at Washington University School of Medicine is recruiting multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates. The NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center generates and analyzes Whole-Genome Sequencing data and high-throughput, multi-dimensional -omic data to study neurodegeneration and diseases of the central nervous system, with an emphasis on Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other dementias. The ultimate goal of the NGI is to understand the biology of these diseases, to define novel biomarkers, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. The Washington University School of Medicine is renowned for its research cohorts of neurodegenerative disorders, which include clinical, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarker phenotypes.

Characterization of the genetic topography of Alzheimer's disease (AD) provides a unique opportunity to understand the disease. We are looking for investigators with expertise in Whole Genome and Exome data, colocalization, Mendelian Randomization, and TWAS/Fusion approaches to lead our effort to identify new genes involved in AD etiology.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Information on the lab can be found at https://cruchagalab.wustl.edu/. 

Information on the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center can be found at https://neurogenomics.wustl.edu/.

Recent publications on the subject:

• Fernandez et al., “Genetic and multi-omic resources for Alzheimer disease and related dementia from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center”, Sci Data. 2024 PMID: 38997326
• Cruchaga et al., “Novel early-onset Alzheimer-associated genes influence risk through dysregulation of glutamate, immune activation, and intracell signaling pathways”, Res Sq, 2024. PMID: 38883718
• Wang et al., “Proteo-genomics of soluble TREM2 in cerebrospinal fluid provides novel insights and identifies novel modulators for Alzheimer's disease”, Mol Neurodegenr. 2024. PMID: 38172904
• Ray et al. “The Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Whole-Genome Sequencing Project: Study design and methodology”, Alzheimers Dement. 2023, PMID: 37390458
• Ali et al., “Large multi-ethnic genetic analyses of amyloid imaging identify new genes for Alzheimer disease”, Acta Neuropathol Commun, 2023 PMID: 37101235

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

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistical Genomics, or a related discipline involving the interrogation of ‘omics’ datasets, or expect to obtain a degree in the near future.
• Hands-on experience using PLINK, SKAT, FUSION, BWA, and/or GATK with large-scale human genomic or other omics (preferably related to neurodegeneration) studies.
• Experience performing colocalization, Mendelian randomization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid skills in at least one programming language (R, python, or Perl) and experience working in Linux and/or high-performance cluster environments.
• A strong ability to perform analytical reasoning to extract biological insights from data-driven approaches.
• Familiarity with interrogation of publicly available resources (highly beneficial).

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:

Bioinformatics, Biomarkers, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Etiology, Exome Sequencing, GATK, Genetic Research, Linux, Neurodegeneration, PLINK (Software), Python (Programming Language), Statistical Genomics, Work Collaboratively

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/AA 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.

Diversity StatementWashington University is dedicated to building a diverse 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.