Researcher 5: Pharmacology

About the Wickman Lab:

The function of the heart and brain is shaped by excitatory and inhibitory influences acting at the cellular level. Many debilitating medical problems including arrhythmias, addiction, anxiety, depression, and pain are caused by an imbalance in cellular excitability. Work in our lab seeks to identify, elucidate, and interrogate cellular and molecular mechanisms that modulate cell excitability in the heart and brain. By pursuing this research, new approaches to diagnose, treat, or prevent medical problems linked to pathological excitability can be envisioned, developed, and optimized.

For more information, please visit: Wickman Lab Homepage (umn.edu)

Job Responsibilities
Contribute to NIH-funded and pilot research programs exploring the molecular and cellular basis of behaviors related to addiction, mood (anxiety and depression), learning and memory. Support and facilitate the efforts of team members.

Primary duties will include:
80% directing multiple independent research projects
o Conducting investigations and experiments in an assigned area to aid in finding a solution to a research problem
o Understanding the relevant scientific literature and context surrounding the problem
o Developing and adapting scientific protocols to ensure that high quality and reproducible data are obtained; comprehensive record-keeping
o Data analysis and interpretation
o Coordinating contributions from other team members, collaborators, and service cores
o Aid in dissemination of study findings (e.g., manuscript preparation)
15% training and supervision of junior lab members
o Training and supervision of students (undergrad, grad, rotation, summer), postdocs, and support staff in lab-related procedures
o Provide assistance with trouble-shooting of lab research projects
5% general lab support
o Attendance and participation at lab meetings
o Develop new avenues of investigation
o Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized workplace
o Assistance with lab staffing and performance evaluations

Required Qualifications (must be mentioned on application/resume)
* PhD in the biomedical sciences
* 6+ years of experience working in a biomedical research laboratory
* Experience with mouse handling, intracranial manipulations (e.g., pharmacologic, genetic, chemogenetic, optogenetic), and behavioral analysis

Preferred Qualifications
* 2+ years of postdoctoral training in a neuroscience research lab
* 2 or more of the following:
Experience with techniques in electrophysiology (e.g., patch clamp approaches in culture or slices)
Experience with techniques in molecular biology/genetics (e.g., gene expression analysis)
Experience with techniques in biochemistry (e.g, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, proteomics/phosphoproteomics)
Experience with cell culture (e.g., cell lines, primary neuronal cultures)
Experience with in vivo (e.g., fiber photometry, miniscopes) or in vitro imaging (e.g, Ca2+ imaging in cultured neurons)
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfort in working in a team
* Mentorship experience in a research lab setting

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and the mechanisms underlying their beneficial and undesirable effects. Research in pharmacology generates new knowledge and tools that can lead to better treatments for devastating medical problems including cancer, addiction, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and infectious disease.

For more information, please visit: Department of Pharmacology | Medical School - University of Minnesota (umn.edu)

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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. Example language: This position requires that you attach LIST ATTACHMENT TYPES SUCH AS: a sample of scholarly work, a diversity statement, and a list of references.

This position will remain open until filled.

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

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.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Student loan forgiveness opportunity
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits:
https://humanresources.umn.edu/sites/humanresources.umn.edu/files/2020_tcd-fpa-75100-ben-0105-10_cs_final.pdf