Post-Doctoral Associate

Job description
The Postdoctoral Associate position is available immediately. The scientist will work closely with UMN and external scientists with expertise in microfluidics, nanotechnology, prion biology, epidemiology, and diagnostics. The successful candidate will play an integral role in protein-based laboratory investigations, advancements, and discoveries. We are looking for a creative scientist to contribute intellectual input and leadership to our collaborative and interdisciplinary team.

Duties:
60% Bioinformatics, data analysis: Organize, preserve, and process data originating
from biological and ecological research projects. Improve existing, or develop new,
pipelines for the accurate and efficient processing of seeded amplification assay data
(e.g., RT-QuIC). Provide well-documented reports of project data sets to team leaders
and MNPRO leadership.

40% Publications, presentations, grant proposals: Lead the production of peer-
reviewed manuscripts, provide presentations at scientific conferences, and assist with
federal, state, and institutional grant applications. Assist with data preparation,
production of figures and tables, and writing materials, methods, and results.

Minimal qualifications and experience:
Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, or a closely related field
Multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals
At least 4 years of experience working with RT-QuIC data
Experience working with genomic or transcriptomic data

Preferred job qualifications:
Experience using machine learning approaches
Direct experience coding in R or Python
Experience interpreting biological statistics and translating them to stakeholders
Familiarity with neurodegenerative diseases especially prion diseases and Alzheimer's
disease
First-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals

Characteristics of a successful candidates:
A highly motivated individual who exhibits excellent research productivity, has exquisite
attention for detail, and works well within a team environment
A detail-oriented researcher that thinks critically and creatively to design experiments and
solve complex research problems
A collaborative, hands-on researcher who proactively shares knowledge and expertise with
lab members
The ability to be adaptable to accommodate shifting priorities and meet hard deadlines
Excellent written and oral communication skills

About us
MNPRO specializes in real-time surveillance of CWD in cervid populations and associated environments. The broader research team collaborates with a wide range of University of
Minnesota faculty across multiple colleges and centers, as well as external team members to conduct research on prion and protein misfolding diseases circulating in wild mammals and
humans, along with environmental detection. The MNPRO mission dovetails with the UMN CVM, which is dedicated to improve the health and well-being of animals and people, and
strengthening Minnesota's economy, by providing high quality education, and conducting leading-edge research. MNPRO cultivates a think-tank environment to conduct cutting edge
science, develop strategic research priorities in the areas of diagnostics, epidemiology, and molecular biology, and collaborate through targeted outreach to become a worldwide hub for
combating neurodegenerative disease.

The UMN is a state-of-the-art biomedical research enterprise. It is one of a handful of universities with colleges of agriculture, medicine, and technology on the same campus, and
thrives on bringing together talented faculty from different fields to make fundamental discoveries in the biological and physical sciences, create new technologies, and find new
treatments for disease. Science Watch ranked the University of Minnesota as one of the top 10 "Highest Impact U.S. Universities," and it ranks 6th in terms of revenue generation from
university-based technologies. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, faculty, staff, and 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.

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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the 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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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:

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).