Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neurology

Position Summary

The Pottier Laboratory at WashU School of Medicine is excited to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The overarching goal of the laboratory is to identify disease associated events that may serve as both therapeutic targets and biomarkers for early onset dementia such as early onset Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.

Our research leverages comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses within highly characterized and unique cohorts. We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow that will lead projects that involve genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. The successful candidate will leverage unique population cohorts and innovative approaches to discover pathways related to disease presentation.

The Pottier Laboratory is part of the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center at WashU. We are dedicated to generating and analyzing whole-genome sequencing data along with high-throughput, multi-dimensional 'omics' data to advance our understanding of neurodegeneration. The WashU School of Medicine is renowned for its research cohorts of neurodegenerative disorders, which include clinical, neuropathology, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarker phenotypes.

Recent publications on the subject:

• Pottier et al., "Deciphering Distinct Genetic Risk Factors for FTLD-TDP Pathological--Subtypes via Whole-Genome Sequencing", MedRxiv. 2024.
• Patel et al., "Whole genome sequencing reveals the impact of lipid pathway and APOE genotype on brain amyloidosis", Hum Mol Gen, 2025.
• Benitez et al., "Haploinsufficiency of lysosomal enzyme genes in Alzheimer's disease", bioRxiv. 2024.
• Kouri et al., "Clinicopathologic Heterogeneity and Glial Activation Patterns in Alzheimer Disease", JAMA Neurol, 2024
• Pottier et al., "Shared brain transcriptomic signature in TDP-43 type A FTLD patients with or without GRN mutations", Brain, 2022

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/.

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

• Generates and evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Conscientious discharge of 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 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 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.

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

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

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, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Etiology, GATK, Genetic Research, Genome Sequencing, 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 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.