Post-Doctoral Associate

A Post-doctoral position is open in the Lab of Prof. Elias. The research projects will involve research on quorum sensing and particularly interference in microbial signaling using quorum quenching lactonases. The project will examine the effects of signal disruption on bacterial physiology such as antibiotics resistance. Key experiments will include protein purification, enzymatic and biophysical characterization, and evaluation of their effects on microbes, including in field experiments. Other work could relate to research project on the bacterial phosphate uptake system. Protein biochemistry, enzymology, protein design, computational biology and structural biology will be key to these experiments. Translating some of these findings to physiology via -omics methods and microbiology will be necessary. The successful candidate will actively participate in maintaining the Lab, and will be responsible for independently conducting experiments to further the Lab research projects. The objective is to make significant scientific achievements and produce high-impact publications.

Job Duties:

60% - Carrying out laboratory experiments

• Independently conduct molecular cloning, mutagenesis, protein purification, protein characterization, protein engineering and design, enzyme kinetics, protein crystallization. Microbiology assays, including C. elegans, biofilm assays and characterization, virulence factors quantification, and -omics data analysis.

20% - Design experiments

• To design routine experiments in frame with the research project objectives, on both a day-to-day and long-term basis.
  

10% - Prepare results for presentation, articles, and grant submissions

• The results of the project will be published in major journals in the field and presented at national and international meetings. This position will require data compilation and figure preparation that will be incorporated into manuscripts to be written and submitted for publication as well as posters, oral presentations, and grant submissions.

5% - Archive Data and Materials

• Archive all experiments performed in the course of the study, as well as the generated reagents in accordance to lab convention. All strains, DNA constructs and reagents are to be maintained, with a full record of the work. All generated data must be meticulously maintained and archived.

5% - Routine laboratory maintenance and assist Lab co-workers

• Assist in maintaining a ready supply of strains, solutions, chemicals, and various lab reagents to ensure efficient functioning of the lab. The candidate is also expected to assist other Lab co-workers and may supervise graduate / undergraduate students, which will help to promote the research project.
  
  

Qualifications:
Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or equivalent is required. Extensive experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and protein biochemistry is essential. Experience with protein biochemistry is necessary. The ability to purify, characterize and assays these enzymes and proteins is essential. The capacity to measure the effects of these enzymes using assays, including on simple and complex cultures is needed. A demonstrated ability to independently design and carry out research projects, write effectively and publish research results in a timely fashion. Experience with state-of-the-art protein biochemistry, protein design is a plus. Experience with microbiology methods, antibiotics resistance assays, qPCR experiments, and metabolomics data analysis is desired. Knowledge and expertise in quorum sensing is also desired.

The BioTechnology Institute (BTI) is the hub of world-class biotechnology research at the University of Minnesota. Our mission is to advance cross-disciplinary research and innovation at the forefront of biotechnology, and to facilitate industry interactions.

Pay Range: $61,008 annually to start

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.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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