Job Description Position Summary Postdoctoral Research position open in the Schindler Lab (Department of Neurology) in fluid biomarker assay development. The Schindler Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to analyze high performance blood- and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD). In the last three years there has been rapid development of blood-based biomarkers for brain amyloidosis (Aß42/Aß40), tau pathology (phosphorylated tau [pTau] isoforms) and neurodegeneration (neurofilament light chain protein [NfL]). By using a combination of blood- based biomarkers that reflect aspects of AD pathology, it may be possible to use a single blood sample to predict current or future symptomatic AD.
It is critical to understand that while brain amyloidosis is strongly associated with AD dementia, brain amyloidosis is not synonymous with AD dementia. For a given level of brain amyloidosis, the expression of symptoms is likely modified by other pathologies, such as the extent of tau pathology and neurodegeneration. Further, the concept of resilience suggests that at a given burden of pathology, individual factors may influence the expression of symptoms. These factors may include age, sex, educational attainment, level of social engagement, and medical comorbidities. Statistical models that link biomarker levels with cognitive and clinical measures can transform a biomarker test into a test for current or future symptomatic AD.
We now seek a postdoctoral fellow with strong statistical skills to analyze high performance blood- and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD), including plasma Ab42/Ab42, pTau isoforms, and NfL. Questions will include the correspondence of these markers with brain amyloidosis and symptomatic AD.
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with world leaders in AD research, including experts in fluid biomarkers, brain imaging, genetics, and cognitive assessments. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.
Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at .
Primary Duties and Responsibilities The postdoctoral fellow will train under the mentorship of Dr. Suzanne Schindler and Dr. Kellen Petersen with additional training from other lab members. The postdoctoral researcher will have the following responsibilities:
Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication. Develops expertise in analyzing biomarker data. Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. Presents scientific 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 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 mentor 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. 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 A PhD, or submitted PhD thesis, in biostatistics or a related field. Demonstrated proficiency in statistical computing. Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, including parametric and non-parametric analyses, logistic regression, survival analysis, and mixed models. Ability to produce publication quality figures representing data. Ability to write scientific papers. General familiarity with and interest in neuroscience. Ability to review scientific literature. 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.
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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 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 Universityâ™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 â" fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply. About Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis, a medium-sized, independent university, is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The University offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs. The faculty is composed of scholars, scientists, artists and members of the learned professions. They serve society by teaching; by adding to the store of human art, creativity, understanding, and wisdom; and by providing direct services, such as health care.
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