Post-Doctoral Associate

The position is in the laboratory of Christina A. Pacak, Ph.D. in the Neurology Department at the University of Minnesota. The Pacak laboratory is performing pre-clinical work to support a translational Cockayne syndrome gene therapy program at the University of Minnesota. The lab uses in vivo animal models and differentiated iPSCs to pursue these investigations.

Responsibilities

• Perform AAV-mediated gene delivery studies in mouse models (promoter, capsid, and delivery route comparison studies)
• Participate in laboratory meetings, presenting in rotation with other laboratory members
• Work with and train new laboratory members on general skills and specific techniques
• Keep up with appropriate literature
• Maintain detailed and well-organized records of daily experiments
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in a timely manner

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Research Activities: 80%

* Assist in the planning of research activities, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, to ensure adherence to the project/study timeline(s).
* Design laboratory experiments; oversee their execution; and review, approve, or interpret results
* Oversee and monitor the implementation of research timeline(s). Provide regular updates to the Principal Investigator.
* Conduct gene therapy experiments following established laboratory methods in mice and cells.
* Independently develop methods and techniques to troubleshoot errors or optimize studies.
* Complete plasmid purification related activities, RNA and DNA isolation related activities, and perform real-time PCR related activities with moderate to minimal supervision.
* Perform protein studies, pull-down, expression assays, etc.
* Perform immunohistochemistry and staining on tissue sections followed by microscopy.
* Collaborate with researchers and other professionals to conduct appropriate analyses, analyze problems, determine strategies, or recommend solutions.
* Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes; develop guidelines for procedures
* Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals
* Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis
* Develop protocols to improve existing techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures
* Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results.

Laboratory Management/Regulatory Compliance: 5%
* Help to ensure regulatory compliance for lab activities.
* Order and reconcile of laboratory supplies in advance of planned experiments.
* Coordinate lab activities/schedule to achieve research objectives.
* Maintaining, update and follow laboratory Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) as needed to remain in compliance with UMN Environmental Health & Safety office.

Scholarly/Administrative Work: 15%
* Conduct independent data analysis and present findings/outcomes to the Principal Investigator
* Draft and/or provide input for technical reports, research papers, scholarly articles, and abstracts
* Preparation of figures for presentations, publications, or grants.
* Assist in preparation of grant proposals and progress reports to funding agencies.
* The applicant will be encouraged to apply for trainee-appropriate funding opportunities as part of their training.

Required Qualifications:
* PhD in molecular biology, gene therapy, neuroscience, or related field
* 0-2 years post-graduate laboratory experience
* PhD candidates close to graduation date will be considered
* Excellent attention to detail and intellectual curiosity, ability to conduct multiple concurrent experiments
* Willingness and ability to learn new skills
* Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
* Demonstrated expertise in working with DNA, RNA, tissue slices, and protein samples
* Experience with disease modeling in mice
* Experience with in vitro tissue culture work

Pay Range: $61,008 (Year 0) - $74,008 (Year 7) depending on education/qualifications/experience, per the NIH Salary Guideline

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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