Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biology

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Andreas Kautt in the Department of Biology on the Danforth Campus at WashU in St. Louis.

The Kautt Lab studies the mechanisms and conditions driving the evolution of biological diversity, with a focus on animal behavior. This position will provide an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to perform research on behavioral evolution in deer mice, with primary emphasis on designing and conducting behavioral experiments and analyses. The position will also involve exposure to complementary approaches including evolutionary genetics/genomics, molecular laboratory techniques, and field-based research.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU 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):

• Design and conduct experiments and analyze data using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and present research at relevant venues.
• Mentor and train other lab members.
• Participate in lab meetings and departmental events.
• Career development activities (workshops, fellowship applications, etc.).
• Help maintain laboratory animal colonies.
• Other duties as assigned.

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:

Interested candidates should upload documents providing (at least) all of the following information for an application packet to be considered complete:

• Cover letter (i) summarizing past/current research, (ii) indicating future research interests, (iii) long-term plans, and (iv) expected starting date.
• Academic-style curriculum vitae including (i) education, (ii) relevant experience, (iii) presentations, (iv) publications, and (v) names and contact information for 2-3 references.

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:

Academic Presentations, Academic Publishing, Academic Writing, Behavioral Assays, Mentoring Staff, Mentoring Undergraduates, Programming Languages, Verbal Communications, Written Communication

Driver'S License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree in Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Behavior, Neuroscience, or related field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with rodent behavior and olfaction.
• Proficiency in Python or other programming language for large data analysis.
• Experience with quantitative approaches to studying animal behavior.
• Experience with machine vision approaches, coupled with a strong interest in evolutionary questions.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications:

No additional certification unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Python (Programming Language), Quantitative Methods, Rodents

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 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.Washington University is dedicated to building a 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.