NORD Rare Disease Center of Excellence Post Doctoral Associate

This position centers on focused training in rare disease research, advocacy and education through the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)-awarded Rare Disease Center of Excellence (RDCOE) at the University of Minnesota.

Susan Berry, MD, and Julie Eisengart, PhD are co-Directors of the NORD RDCOE. As the center has a strong focus on clinical care and access for individuals with rare diseases, we are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to contribute to the mission to expand the research, teaching, advocacy, and community-based partnership opportunities in rare disease. This position reports to Dr. Eisengart. Responsibilities include generation of scientific products, mentorship, and teaching within didactic series.

This position is part- to full-time, and prefers a minimum 2-year commitment. This training prepares individuals seeking a career that heavily focuses on research in rare disease. Aligned with such a career, this position requires the postdoctoral fellow to apply for and secure grants to fund their time, which can be up to full-time work. Grant development and submissions will be closely mentored by Dr. Eisengart. Work will be conducted in person and remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training in a collaborative research environment.

Job Responsibilities:
Generation of Scientific Products (80%)
* Build research-community partnerships
* Gain experience writing and submitting grants
* Participate in scientific review through reviewing UMN internal grants and manuscripts
* Process and analyze data
* Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific
conferences
* Conduct research using qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the lived
experience and care needs of children and young adults with rare diseases, and their
families
Mentorship (10%)
* Undergraduate and research assistant mentorship (data collection, coding projects, data
entry)
* Collaborate with patient advocacy groups and community members
* Work within a diverse team of researchers, including the PIs, Co-Is, graduate students,
staff, and other postdoctoral fellows

* Attend and/or lead project meetings
* Advise and consult on complex problems, to support the broader research project teams
as needed
* Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development
Teaching (10%)
* Develop and present 2 didactics seminars on a rare disease topic for professional
student training programs at the University
* Present 1 teaching lecture annually for rare disease patient advocacy groups to access
deeper scientific discovery
* Option to engage in a teaching role at the University
* Participate in the broader learning environment to augment professional development

Required:

- PhD in psychology, cognitive science, or a related field
- Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds,
and identities,
- commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing
neurodiversity
- Skillful with computer software and statistical analysis on PC or Mac
- Must pass all criminal background checks as required by the State of Minnesota

Preferred:

- Proven ability to develop a project and execute it to the point of generating a scientific
product
- Proven ability to secure funding through a grant
- Demonstrable strong verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong experience in qualitative data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation
- Experience working with people with rare diease, autism and related conditions with high
support needs (i.e., having intellectual disability and/or being non-speaking)
- Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical
research projects with child participants

Pay Range: $63,120/year depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.