Postdoctoral Research Associate – Molecular Microbiology – University of Washington, United States

Postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. David Wang focused on RNA bacteriophage biology. RNA bacteriophages have been largely ignored by the scientific community and little is known about their diversity, their hosts, their impact on the microbiome, how they are sensed or how bacteria defend against them.  We discovered a massive expansion of novel RNA bacteriophage in virome studies (e.g., Krishnamurthy et al, PLOS Biology 2016). In addition, we hypothesize that a taxon of viruses commonly found in enteric viromes, the picobirnaviruses, are actually the 3rd known family of RNA bacteriophages (Krishnamurthy et al, Virology 2018) rather than eukaryotic viruses. Our recent studies (Gan and Wang, PNAS 2023) determined that picobirnaviruses encode proteins that can lyse bacteria, an essential step in bacteriophage life cycles. The foci of this position include identification of the bacterial hosts, culturing of novel RNA phages such as Picobirnaviruses, characterization of lysis mechanisms, defining the impact of RNA phage on the microbiome and identifying bacterial defense systems against RNA phage.

In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Center, Teaching Center, Writing Center and campus groups.

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 publication.
• Develops expertise in virus-host interactions (bacteriophage infection of bacteria).
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of area literature.
• Presents work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs a research project or projects.
• Conscientious discharge of research and/or teaching responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group or department.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Requires a PhD or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise and experience in virology, bacteriology.

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.

Applicant Special Instructions

To apply, please email your cover letter summarizing your research interests, past research experience, and future career goals, curriculum vitae or NIH biosketch, and the names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. David Wang at davewang@wustl.edu.

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.