Postdoctoral Research Associate – Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine – University of Washington, United States

Position Summary

The Kulkarni lab is a NIH-funded laboratory in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Washington University. We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to drive how innate immune responses, such as the complement system, modulate mucosal immunity. The overarching goal of our research program is to determine how epithelial cell-derived proteins can be harnessed to mitigate the risk of acute lung injury in various settings, to ultimately reduce the burden of end-stage lung disease. We have active projects investigating lung injury due to bacterial infections and the short- and long-term consequences of ischemia-reperfusion injury occurring in the context of lung transplantation. There are aspects of overlap in the gut-lung axis using similar model systems. We utilize state-of-the-art technical modalities including conditional knockout mouse models, flow cytometry, ELISA, protein and DNA-based molecular biology, biochemistry, cell/tissue culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and DNA/RNA sequencing.

For additional details, please visit: https://sites.wustl.edu/kulkarnilab.

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

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develops expertise in protein biochemistry, and genetic manipulation of cells and mice.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work, both within and outside the University.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research as they develop their writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of his/her research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with his/her mentors regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to implement laboratory procedures, conduct research and records findings.

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.

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.

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 https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA 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.

Diversity Statement

Washington 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.