Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Cremins lab works at the spatial biology-technology interface to understand chromatin-to-synapse communication during neural circuit activation in the mammalian brain. We aim to understand how chromatin works through long-range physical folding mechanisms to encode neuronal specification and long-term synaptic plasticity in healthy and diseased neural circuits. We pursue a multi-disciplinary approach integrating data across biological scales in the brain, including molecular Chromosome-Conformation-Capture sequencing technologies, single-cell imaging, optogenetics, genome engineering, induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation to neurons/organoids, and in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological measurements.

Our long-term scientific goal is to dissect the fundamental mechanisms by which chromatin architecture causally governs genome function and, ultimately, long-term synaptic plasticity and neural circuit features in healthy mammalian brains as well as during the onset and progression of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease states.

Our long-term mentorship goal is to develop a diverse cohort of next-generation scientists cross-trained in molecular and computational approaches. We seek to create a positive, high-energy environment with open and honest communication to empower individuals to discover and refine their purpose and grow into the best versions of themselves.

The candidate will organize, manage, and curate big data on the cluster and find biological patterns in a wide range of genetic and epigenetic sequencing and imaging data to facilitate the paper figures of lab members. Candidate will train on the lab’s fundamental algorithms and run them in a collaborative manner with other team members to generate paper figures and make discoveries. Collaborative code building for team member papers will involve mastery and application of existing algorithms and tools for understanding and detecting TADs, subTADs, loops, and compartments in Hi-C and MicroC data and integrating the 3D genome features with underlying chromatin marks. As the candidate advances in training, they will develop new algorithms to find TADs and loops in single cell genomics data, as well as to analyze in situ DNA FISH and merFISH data.

This role is ideal for you if you have a strong interest and motivation toward publishing results and will contribute to the preparation of multiple manuscripts, including making figures and writing methods and results. This role is ideal for you if you enjoy the excitement of a bleeding-edge scientific laboratory and welcome the challenge of a fast-paced environment and working collaboratively according to a positive, warm, and community-focused scientific culture.

Job Description

• Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including writing methods, results, and making figures for papers.

• Performs computational tasks under direction and collaboration with other graduate students, postdocs, and scientists in the laboratory (given concepts/ ideas, and/ or data from individual lab members, creates algorithms to analyze data generated by their projects to create paper figures and make discoveries).

• Trains to achieve mastery and excellence in code to call compartments, TADs, subTADs, loops in Hi-C/Micro-C/snm3c data, as well as in peak calling of Chip-seq, Cut&Run and Cut&Tag data and genome structures variants calling from whole genome sequencing data.

• In collaboration with lab members, writes methods sections and figures for research papers where the analysis is used in the manuscripts.

• As the position advances, begins to develop new code to find patterns in single-cell genomics and single-cell imaging data.

• Organizes the lab cluster according to lab protocols and standards every week.

• Leads the movement of data from base space to the cluster and the keeping of careful records for sequencing runs and sample names for each project.

• Runs established codes for read mapping and peak calling for lab’s foundational data across projects.

• Training on and overseeing the creation of GEO portals and the movement and crosschecking of all data associated with a given scientific paper submission.

• Training and tracking, updating lab developed softwares in Github.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

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:

Master’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:

Laboratory Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional commitment to upholding the collaborative ethos of the Cremins laboratory.

• Strong skills in verbal and written communication with a dedication to open transparent communication with mentors and peers.

• Demonstrated ability to handle daily laboratory challenges with a dedication to the values of reconciliation, unity, mutual honor, and respect.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

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:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Detail-Oriented, Independent Thinking, Micro C, Organizing, Python (Programming Language), Team Player, Time Management

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

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 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

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/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.