Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

As a curiosity-driven cancer biology lab, we are broadly interested in uncovering novel cancer targets with the overarching goal of improving patient outcome. Currently, we are focusing on dissecting the complex molecular mechanisms governing genome stability which plays an important role in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment response. Our studies center around two multi-functional proteins, the actin-binding protein Profilin-1 and the AAA+ ATPase p97/VCP. Both are essential proteins with well-known functions in the cytoplasm, but play important yet poorly understood roles in the nucleus.

Our recently published (e.g., Zhu et al., 2022 Nature Communications; Zhu et al., 2021 Cell Reports; Zhu et al., 2020 Cell Reports; Wang et al., 2021 Cancers) and currently ongoing work link nuclear Profilin-1 and p97/VCP to fundamentally important cellular processes including transcription, DNA replication, and DNA damage repair and signaling. Our findings highlight the importance of subcellular localization and post-translational modification in the regulation of multi-functional proteins such as Profilin-1 and p97-VCP, and implicate new ways to target their cancer-specific “moonlighting” functions. We believe that mechanistic insights from such studies can reveal hidden “Achilles heels” of cancer cells, and guide the development of novel and personalized treatments.

Various standard and specialized molecular, cellular, and animal procedures are performed in the lab such as cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, PCR, cloning, genetic mouse models, mouse xenografts, DNA fiber, and proximity ligation assays.

Job Description

For more information about the lab and our research, please visit the following websites:

http://www.shaolab.org

https://oncology.wustl.edu/people/faculty/Shao/Shao_Bio.html

https://siteman.wustl.edu/research/center-for-genome-integrity/cgi-members/jieya-shao-phd/

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, or related field is highly desirable.
• Prior experiences in basic or translational lab settings are strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others is highly preferred.
• Able to perform, troubleshoot, and analyze experimental data.
• Excellent record keeping and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree. Candidates with additional education and experience are encouraged to apply.

Grade

00

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 [email protected] 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.