Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pediatrics Cardiology

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

 Position Summary

The Woo Lab within the Division of Cardiology and Department of Pediatrics at WashU Medicine in St. Louis is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the mechanisms of Group 3 hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and develop strategies to prevent or reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. We study how chronic hypoxia disrupts vascular homeostasis and reprograms endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts, leading to elevated pulmonary pressures and right ventricular dysfunction.

By integrating mechanistic studies in genetic mouse models and patient-derived human samples with single-cell genomics and preclinical therapeutic testing, we aim to identify conserved, actionable disease pathways.

Current Research Directions:

• Define the molecular mechanisms that regulate pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell and pericyte plasticity, differentiation, and maladaptive remodeling.
• Investigate endothelial dysfunction and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition during chronic hypoxia and pulmonary vascular disease.
• Determine how FGF and other growth-factor signaling pathways control vascular cell identity, inflammation, and intercellular communication.
• Apply single-cell RNA sequencing, single-nucleus multiomics, spatial transcriptomics, and computational analysis to identify disease-associated vascular cell states.
• Validate candidate pathways using mouse genetics, human vascular cells, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models, and clinically relevant human samples.
• Develop targeted nanoparticle platforms and mechanism-based therapeuticstrategies to prevent or reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling and treat pulmonary hypertension.

Role and Mentorship:

The postdoctoral researcher will lead a mechanistically focused project and have substantial opportunity to shape its scientific direction, establish new experimental or computational approaches, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop an independent research niche. Individualized mentorship will support rigorous study design, scientific communication, fellowship development, leadership, and career advancement.

Research Environment:

WashU Medicine provides state-of-the-art core facilities, human translational research resources, and a broad collaborative community spanning cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, pediatrics, genomics, pathology, and bioengineering.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

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

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

Assist with grant preparation and reporting.

Prepare and submit research papers.

Assist in the design of research studies and the evaluation and reporting of findings.

Conduct research conscientiously and in accordance with ethical standards and good laboratory practice, including maintenance of accurate research records.

Engage in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding the possession or distribution of laboratory materials, reagents, or records and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques.

Maintain collegial conduct toward co-trainees, staff members, collaborators, and other members of the research group.

Adhere to all applicable University policies, procedures, and regulations. All data, research records, materials, and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions:

Works in a laboratory and computational research 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.

May handle human cells, tissues, or other biospecimens in accordance with approved institutional protocols.

May perform experiments involving research animals and assist with procedures, monitoring, tissue collection, and standard animal care as appropriate to the assigned project.

Must complete all required institutional training before conducting regulated research activities.

Applicant Special Instructions:

Applicants should submit the following materials:

A current curriculum vitae.

A one-page statement describing prior research accomplishments, future research interests, career goals, and interest in the laboratory.

Contact information for three professional references.

One representative first-author publication or manuscript, if available.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is flexible and will be determined in consultation with the selected candidate.

Questions about the position may be directed to:

• Kel Vin Woo, MD, PhD
• Department of Pediatrics
• Division of Pediatric Cardiology
• Washington University School of Medicine
• Email: woo_k@wustl.edu

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 /Professional Licenses :

No specific certification/professional license 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

At Washington University, postdoctoral appointments:

have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
• 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: Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing
• 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.