Post-Doctoral Associate - Infectious Disease

This postdoctoral position is available in the new laboratory of Dr. Alon Herschhorn at the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota. Our research group works on exciting directions to understand and target HIV-1 host interactions at the molecular and cellular levels. We use interdisciplinary approaches at the interface of synthetic and molecular virology, immunology and cell biology to gain new insights into complex biological processes, with the aim of translating these insights into novel therapies and vaccines to treat and prevent viral infections.

70% Research Primary duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, studies of virus-host interactions using HIV-1 or SASR-CoV-2 as a system model.

The project involves developing novel viral immunogens and display systems, analyzing the antibody and cellular immune response to immunization, and studying HIV-1 and SASR-CoV-2 interactions with neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies using viral assays. The successful candidate will work in BSL2 and BSL2+ environment and build and use viral vectors, express and purify proteins, prepare RNA-based vaccines, test vaccine efficcay in animal models, and study the interactions of viruses with the immune system. The work also involves interaction with other lab member(s), participation in lab meeting, and oversee the work of undergraduate students.

30% Data analysis, presentations, and manuscript preparation alysis of experimental results.

The successful candidate will use different computer programs and statistical tests to analyze the immune response in animals. 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 on application materials)

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in virology, microbiology, cell biology, immunology or a related field - Advanced knowledge in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience in immunological methods such as ELISA, antibody characterization, and western blot; proficiency in PCR amplification, cloning, protein expression and purification, and tissue culture techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organization skills with proficient scientific record keeping
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Power Point - Demonstrated ability to interact with other group members and oversee undergraduate work
• Ability to work independently, pay attention to details, solve problems, work under pressure and manage multiple tasks
• 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; team player, proactive, open-minded, creative and willing to learn

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in work with bacteria, human cells/tissues and viruses, including HIV-1, in a BL2+/BSL3 facility
• Previous work with HIV-1 and/or SARS-CoV-2 assays.
• Experience with writing and following an institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) protocols
• Experience with protein expression and purification, virus-like-particles production and concentration, and RNA vaccines
• Previous experience with immunization of mice and rabbits
• Advance skills in molecular biology methods, including cloning and PCR, tissue culture work with different cell lines, and transfection.
• Experience with isolation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC), NK cells and lymphocytes from blood, and analyzing cytotoxic T cells activity and specificity.
• Experience with flow cytometry techniques and multi-parameter analysis
• Experience with bioengeening of viral vectors and building new genetic circuits.

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-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/2019_tcd-cslr-75100-ben-0105-7_1.pdf