"Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience"

Job Details

About the Job

Position Overview:
As a postdoctoral fellow, you would have the opportunity to advance our existing research into the role of microglia in seizures and epilepsy development, with an emphasis on neuroinflammation. As epilepsy is a complex disease, our research is holistic and spans cellular/molecular approaches, in vivo imaging, behavior, histology, and EEG. The desire to learn new techniques and work as part of a collaborative team is strongly encouraged. Training in new techniques would be provided by the PI. However, it is expected that a postdoctoral fellow would strive to be independent. Further, postdoctoral fellows may start on an established project, but are expected to establish their own vision and direction for the project in the first 2 years, with the hope that they will build their own niche over time for career independence. In addition, individual grant writing and networking (including conference presentation and attendance) is strongly encouraged.

Our most immediate need is on a new imaging project using implanted lenses to image deeper brain regions. Therein, a candidate with prior surgery experience and optical imaging experience is preferred. However, any qualified individual with the tenacity and willingness to learn and take on a complex project would be favorably considered.

Responsibilities Include:

• Research - 75%
  -Maintain mouse lines for your project, including breeding, genotyping, colony maintenance, and additional husbandry tasks (if needed)
  -Conduct survival surgeries and be responsible for all documentation and welfare checks
  -Become familiar with relevant literature and stay apprised of new studies
  -Conduct any of the following experimental studies that may be necessary for project goals: imaging experiments, behavior experiments, EEG experiments, and histology experiments
  -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.
  -Analyze data and present findings/progress in individual meetings and at lab meeting, when applicable
• Mentoring/Training - 20%
  -As needed, train and mentor a subset of students at the post-baccalaureate or graduate school level. Training would largely focus on techniques and lab procedures.
• Independent Grant Writing and Career Development - 5%
  -Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to apply for an NIH F32 grant and/or private foundation grants in the first 2 years.
  -In years 3-4, you are encouraged to apply for a career transition award (e.g., NIH K- grant).
  -You are also encouraged to target select conferences for attendance with the expectation that you would present a poster or give a talk every 12-18 months on your published or ongoing research

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
A Doctorate Degree in a relevant scientific field (neuroscience, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or pharmacology)
At least 4 years of previous lab experience in a ‘wet lab’ setting
Sufficient experience in handling mice to perform mouse experiments independently
Sufficient knowledge of statistics is required to analyze and interpret biological data
Ability to independently read the literature, propose experiments, and drive project goals

Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience (5+ years) with rodents, including injections, colony management, genotyping, perfusions, and surgery
Knowledge of microglia and neuroinflammation. Knowledge of epilepsy development.
Prior experience writing a grant and independently writing manuscripts

About the Department

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 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) 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).