Researcher 4 - Infectious Disease and International Medicine

Job Duties & Responsibilities
70% - Research
Primary duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, studies of virus-host interactions using HIV-1 as a system model. Projects include analyzing HIV-1 interactions with neutralizing antibodies using viral assays, PCR amplification of HIV-1 genes from samples of infected individuals, and monitoring viral active and latent replication in primary cells. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing independently new applications of viral assays, developing new methods to analyze libraries of HIV-1 Env mutants at high depth, and constructing new approaches to study HIV-1 reservoir in samples from people who live with HIV-1. The successful candidate will work in BSL2 and BSL2+/BSL3 environment and build and use viral reporter systems to study the interactions of viruses with the cellular machinery. The research work involves RNA-seq and transcriptomic analysis using state-of-the-art instrument for single cell analysis, next generation sequencing, sort of infected cells using flow cytometry, and different molecular biology techniques to clone or modify genes. The work also involves interaction with other lab member(s), participation in lab meeting, and supervision of undergraduate students.

30% - Data Analysis, Presentations, and Manuscript Preparation
Analysis of experimental results. The successful candidate will use different computer programs to analyze viral neutralization assays and antibody binding. Analysis of flow cytometry results will be done using FlowJo or Cyflogic programs and involves analysis of fluorescence readouts, live/dead cells discrimination and multi color compensation. Development of research directions according to the main project aims and the ongoing experiments. Preparation of figures and manuscripts based on the results. Reading literature related to the research projects and developing collaborations with other research groups. Preparation of data for presentations

Required Qualifications (Must be documented in all application materials)
* BS/BA in biology, microbiology, or a similar field and 4 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 2 years of related experience
* Strong critical thinking skills and ability to develop independently new directions in the lab
* Experience and demonstrated skills in next generation sequencing technology and analysis
* Proficiency in viral neutralization assay
* Excellent communication and organization skills with exemplary scientific record keeping
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Power Point
* Ability to work independently, solve problems, work under pressure and manage multiple tasks
* Experience and skills in molecular biology including cloning, site directed mutagenesis, PCR and analyzing DNA sequencing results
* Demonstrated experience in immunological methods such as ELISA, antibody characterization, and western blot.
* Experience and ability to analyze scientific data, present the research results and prepare manuscripts for publication.
* Enthusiastic to work in new lab studying virus host interactions; proactive, open-minded, creative and willing to learn

Preferred Qualifications
* Advanced degree in biology, microbiology or related field
* Experience working individually and in groups
* Ability to carry out research protocols from written or oral instructions from lab director
* Experience in work with bacteria, human cells/tissues and viruses, including HIV-1, in a BL2+/BSL3 facility
* High proficiency in tissue culture work with different cell lines, isolation of RNA, analysis of gene expression using microarrays or RNA-seq, and isolation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) from blood
* Experience with flow cytometry techniques and multi-parameter analysis

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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.

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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)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).