Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cardiology

Position SummaryThe Shen Lab within the Division of Cardiology and Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine in St. Louis, USA, is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Our lab specializes in precision cardiovascular medicine, leveraging cutting-edge approaches such as human iPSC-derived 2D cardiovascular cells, 3D vascularized cardioids, CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput CRISPRko/i/a screening, single-cell multiomics, tissue engineering, and animal models.
Our current research primarily focuses on four key areas: 1) Developing robust, chemically defined differentiation protocols to generate diverse cardiovascular cell types from iPSCs, enabling advanced cardiovascular disease modeling and cell therapy applications (Nature Cardiovascular Research 2023; Circulation 2023; Circulation Research 2021, Circulation 2019), 2) Uncovering genetic drivers of anti-cancer drug-induced cardiovascular toxicity through integrated iPSC models and high-throughput CRISPRi/a screening (Cell Stem Cell 2024), 3) Deciphering pathogenic coding and non-coding variants linked to congenital heart disease in a cell type-specific manner (Cell 2022), and 4) Combining iPSC-derived cells and single-cell perturb sequencing to establish foundational models to predict the effects of potential drug candidates on cardiovascular diseases. By combining genome engineering, functional genomics, and tissue models, we aim to advance mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
We are seeking highly motivated, creative postdoctoral fellows to drive innovations in cardiovascular precision medicine. We welcome candidates with expertise in iPSC biology, functional genomics, developmental biology, cardiovascular disease, and/or bioinformatics to explore the intersection of cardiovascular physiology, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. This position offers the opportunity to develop translational research projects using cutting-edge approaches in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
Our lab provides a collaborative and supportive culture that champions teamwork, scientific curiosity, and innovation. Successful candidates will lead impactful research initiatives while receiving personalized mentorship to foster their growth as independent investigators. We are committed to your career success, offering dedicated support for fellowship applications, training grants, and transition to independence, along with opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills.
WashU offers outstanding research infrastructure and professional development resources through its Career Center, Teaching Center, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. As part of our vibrant scientific community, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a network of interdisciplinary collaborators.

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/.

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/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license 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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

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

Skills:

Cardiovascular Physiology, Cell Biology, Functional Genomics, Professional Presentation, Professional Writing, Python (Programming Language), R Programming, Stem Cell Biology, Teamwork

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.

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 ScreeningAll 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 StatementWashington 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 StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.