The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri has an immediate opening for a post-doctoral research associate in the field of epigenetics in skeletal biology. The motivated individual will work on an NIH-funded study to determine the function and mechanism of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs) in regulating progenitor cell differentiation, metabolism and other cellular processes within the context of cartilage and bone development and repair.

The candidate should have expertise in a range of molecular, cellular and RNA  biology approaches (e.g. cloning and construct design, FISH, viral-based over-expression and knockdown approaches, RNA-Seq/pathway analyses, cell differentiation assays, analysis of cell metabolism and signaling pathway mediators). There will be opportunities to collaborate with a senior scientist in the lab with expertise in working with murine models of bone fracture repair, heterotopic ossification or osteoarthritis. Preference will be given to those who have expertise in cartilage or bone biology and/or microRNAs or long non-coding RNAs. 

You will join a multidisciplinary orthopaedic research laboratory, which is part of the Musculoskeletal Research Center (http://www.musculoskeletalcore.wustl.edu/). The post-doc will be based in the lab of Dr. Audrey McAlinden (http://audreymcalinden.org). There are excellent opportunities to interact with other cartilage/bone biologists and biomechanical engineers in the Center as well as PIs in basic science departments at Washington University specializing in RNA biology and stem cell differentiation.

The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator to outline research goals, review relevant literature and design research protocols. They will be responsible for independently developing assays, data collection and analysis as well as verification and management of the project.  The candidate will also present data at meetings, and assist with grant preparation and publication of results. The candidate will participate in routine daily functions of the laboratory as a team player.

The position is available immediately and applications will be reviewed until suitable candidate is identified. The position is for a period of 2 years with possibility of reappointment.