We are excited to welcome enquiries for postdoc starting for 2025 and beyond. For an optimal postdoctoral research experience, we would take additional time (3-6 months) prior to starting a postdoc position with us to define research goals that align with career goals. We strongly advise interested candidates to contact us with this time frame in mind. We welcome postdoctoral candidates considering both academic and non-academic tracks in science.

Who should apply?

We welcome inquiries from all passionate researchers who find our lab’s work interesting! We welcome individuals with unique skillsets broadly in areas of microbial genetics, ecology, host-genetics, epithelial biology and systems biology approaches. But really, if this skin microbiome-host-environment interaction stuff is exciting enough to get out of bed everyday and come to have fun in lab… Please reach out to me!

As a new lab, we understand that not all information may be available about us. However, we have some useful resources to share:

1. Lab priorities: Please review our lab vision and handbook.

2. Career and professional development plan: We are committed to providing all trainees with a nurturing environment that fosters scientific creativity. At the same time, I do not want anyone to lose sight of their long-term career goals. Every lab trainee will be required to complete a personal development plan to help strategize and ensure that you are taking steps towards career development. We will work towards personalizing this plan for your needs. 

3. Vision for postdoctoral training: Learn about my vision for postdoctoral fellows here.

   We are a young lab and would like to ensure a good fit between your career goals, lab research program and mentorship. Check out mentoring page to learn about our mentorship philosophy.

How to apply?

Interested applicants should send their CV/biosketch, cover letter, and contact information for at least three references by email.

Through the CV/Biosketch we are interested to learn about: 

• Your past research/training experiences (brief description of role and project)

• Contributions to research (your most significant research project and your contribution to it)

In the cover letter please describe: 

• Specific research projects and/or questions you would like to answer in this lab

• Your current timeline 

• What you hope to achieve out of this experience? How it aligns with your long-term career goals? 

Our hiring process:

We are strongly committed to providing an excellent training environment for postdoctoral trainees. For transparency, we describe below our hiring process.

• If your candidature fits with our lab’s priorities, values and research goals Aayushi will schedule an in person zoom call with you to discuss fit and interests

• Should there be mutual alignment, we will invite you for a virtual visit which comprises presentation of 30 minutes (20 minutes talk+ 10 minutes Q&A) and meeting with lab mates.

• If there is continued mutual interest in exploring opportunity, we will host you for an in-person site visit to our lab. For international candidates who cannot travel to United States, we will explore alternative solutions to provide you with detailed information.

Referees:  

One of the referees can be Ph.D. advisor. Other referees can be mentors and/or collaborators.

Resources on preparing a postdoc application:
1) Finding the Right Postdoc for Career Success
2) How to find a postdoc position that is right for you?
3) This very awesome post by Daniel Gonzales with examples of postdoc applications
4) To postdoc or not to postdoc?

WashU has a vibrant postdoctoral community! Please visit the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to learn about policies and benefits.