This posting is for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Dr. David Spencer’s Lab in the Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine.
Dr. David Spencer is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead exciting new projects in the field of Cancer Genetics. The Spencer lab studies human genomics, cancer genetics, gene regulation, and the genomics and epigenetics of acute myeloid leukemia and has published articles in Cancer Cell, Cell, Leukemia, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The lab has extensive expertise in both bench science and bioinformatics and is a key member of the cancer genetics group at WashU and Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Spencer has received funding from ASH, the Cancer Research Foundation, Doris Duke, Siteman Cancer Research Fund, and the NCI, and has extensive collaborations with the McDonnell Genome Institute.
Position will play a lead role in new studies of epigenetics, DNA methylation, and gene regulation in acute myeloid leukemia using primary human samples, cell lines, and mouse models. Responsibilities will be to design, perform, and analyze data from genomic assays including long read sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences platforms, single-cell multi-omics, 3D genome architecture studies (e.g., Micro-C and HiC), CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag. Experimental systems will include CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of AML cells and massively parallel reporter assays to investigate gene regulation in leukemia. Computational analysis of these data will involve applying existing tools and developing new ones, including machine and deep learning methods. There will be opportunities for development of new cell line and animal models and testing, evaluation, and analysis of new genomic technologies. Authorship on high-profile publications resulting from this work is expected.
The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Spencer on a day-to-day basis, allowing for close mentorship to promote career development, including an independent research program and external funding. Further career and professional development training provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.