Postdoctoral Research Associate; Genetics and Genomics of Neurodegeneration - Psychiatry

Position Summary

The Cruchaga Lab at WashU Medicine is recruiting multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates. The Neuro Genomics and Informatics Center generates and analyzes Whole-Genome Sequencing data and high-throughput, multi-dimensional –omic data to study neurodegeneration and diseases of the central nervous system, with an emphasis on Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other dementias. The ultimate goal of the NGI is to understand the biology of these diseases, to define novel biomarkers, and to identify novel therapeutic targets.

WashU Medicine is renowned for its research cohorts of neurodegenerative disorders, which include clinical, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarker phenotypes.

Lead efforts to identify new genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease etiology using Whole Genome and Exome data, colocalization, Mendelian Randomization, and TWAS/Fusion approaches. Collaborate with team members to design and execute analytic strategies, prepare manuscripts, and present findings at scientific meetings.

• Fernandez et al., “Genetic and multi-omic resources for Alzheimer disease and related dementia from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center”, Sci Data. 2024 (PMID: )
• Cruchaga et al., “Novel early-onset Alzheimer-associated genes influence risk through dysregulation of glutamate, immune activation, and intracell signaling pathways”, Res Sq, 2024 (PMID: )
• Wang et al., “Proteo-genomics of soluble TREM2 in cerebrospinal fluid provides novel insights and identifies novel modulators for Alzheimer’s disease”, Mol Neurodegenr. 2024 (PMID: )
• Ray et al., “The Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease Whole-Genome Sequencing Project:
  Study design and methodology”, Alzheimers Dement. 2023 (PMID: )
• Ali et al., “Large multi-ethnic genetic analyses of amyloid imaging identify new genes for Alzheimer disease”, Acta Neuropathol Commun, 2023 (PMID: )

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.

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal doctoral degree.

• Experience performing colocalization and Mendelian Randomization.
• Solid skills in at least one programming language (R, Python, or Perl) and experience working in Linux and high-performance cluster environments.
• A strong ability to perform analytical reasoning to extract biological insights from data-driven approaches.
• Familiarity with interrogation of publicly available resources.

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. The University’s policy provides 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.