Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

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

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.

About the Department

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 and Benefits

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

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 University of Minnesota

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).