Position Summary

Dr. Amargant-Riera’s research laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms that define oocyte quality. The lab uses mouse models and human samples to investigate the mechanical and molecular control of folliculogenesis, as well as how aging dysregulates these quality control pathways. We are interested in two main lines of research, and the postdoctoral candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to both:

1. What are the mechanotransduction mechanisms of the follicle? This project will focus on identifying the receptors and pathways that detect mechanical inputs from the ovarian stroma and transform these signals into biochemical signals within the follicle. (See Amargant et al., 2020, Aging Cell; Pietroforte et al., 2023 Under review PNAS).

2. How does oocyte-granulosa cell communication regulate folliculogenesis? This project focuses on understanding the actin- and microtubule-based structures that mediate granulosa cell-oocyte communication (See Doherty and Amargant, et al., 2022, Trends Cell Bio).

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

• Will utilize follicle and ovarian culture, biomechanical analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics, histologic approaches, and mouse models to study folliculogenesis and oocyte quality.
• Will engage in all the scientific activities of the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, as well as attending national and international scientific meetings to present his/her work.

Working 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 Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

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

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

• At least one first author paper published or in review in a peer-reviewed journal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques including DNA, RNA, protein isolation; PCR, reverse transcription PCR, Immunoblot, and ELISA.
• Experience working with mouse and/or human gametes.
• Experience with designing, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data.
• Experience with reading and understanding scientific papers and applying these concepts to experimental design.
• The ability to write manuscripts and contribute to grant applications.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Molecular Biology Techniques, Mouse Models

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 CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu 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

Washington 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 https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA 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.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse 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.