Research Scientist

Job TitleCancer Biology Lab PositionLocationSaint Louis, MO 63110Position SummaryAs 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 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 DescriptionPrimary Duties & Responsibilities:For more information about the lab and our research, please visit the following websites: 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 QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.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 ApplicableDriver's License:A driver's license is not required for this position.Preferred QualificationsEducation: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:Communication, Laboratory Research, Organizing, Recordkeeping, Working IndependentlyGrade00QuestionsFor frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.AccommodationIf you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 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.