Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

About the Job

Position Overview:

In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct research related to the dynamics of viral replication and the immune response in humans during natural infection with respiratory viruses. You will analyze longitudinal viral and immune samples collected through the FLUdetect study, an ongoing cohort study in which participants are frequently screened for common respiratory viruses and then undergo daily sampling once they test positive. Work associated with this project will include measuring a variety of immune parameters in samples collected before and after infection, quantifying viral dynamics, viral genomic analysis, and collaboration with mathematical modelers and statisticians to perform data analyses. This work will include working with influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and human coronaviruses.

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 75%

• Perform viral genomic analyses of virus+ samples
• Generate recombinant viruses that incorporate sequences from cohort samples.
• Measure viral titers in different samples.
• Measure antiviral antibodies and other immune parameters in plasma and other sample types.
• Perform in vitro viral phenotyping assays
• Maintain multiple copies and records of all data collected
• Assist in the organization and curation of study data and inventories
• Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render interpretations of the data.

Supervision and training - 15%

• Oversee technicians or students assisting in analysis of samples
• Train new lab members in molecular virology and immunological methods

Presenting and writing - 5%

• Present research summary in national and international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing abstracts and slides for presentation.
• Prepare and edit manuscript drafts detailing your work.

Meeting with collaborators - 5%

• Participate in regular meetings with collaborators working on analysis of the FLUdetect samples.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Doctorate Degree (PhD, which is completed within the last 3 years) in virology or immunology.
• Previous lab experience working with respiratory viruses such as influenza virus.
• Experience working with human clinical samples.
• Sufficient knowledge of mathematics and statistics is required to analyze and interpret test results.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to maintain and operate standard instruments (qPCR machines, centrifuges, etc).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with influenza virus, coronavirus, and rhinovirus.
• Previous experience with virus neutralization assays and molecular virology.
• Experience performing proteomic analyses of human samples.
• Experience working under BSL3 conditions
• Experience with manuscript writing is a plus.

About the Department

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,000 to $64,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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 nations 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).