Post-Doctoral Associate

Job Details

About the Job

Position Summary:
The Jain Lab (https://jain-lab.org/) is recruiting an enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow interested in studying gene regulation and chromatin biology in the context of the Histone Code. The ideal candidate will investigate how histone post-translational modifications regulate transcription and associated processes in vivo and in vitro, as they relate to both basic biology and disease.

This position is available immediately. The work schedule is Monday–Friday and is flexible.

Essential Functions:
70% Experimental Design and Implementation: Design and perform experiments to assess the regulatory roles of histone PTM-interacting proteins in transcription and associated processes. Develop and optimize genomic and biochemical assays. Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data. Maintain accurate and thorough research records.

10% Training and Supervision: Train new technical staff in standard biochemical and molecular biology techniques. Assist with day-to-day supervision of data acquisition by technicians and undergraduate students.

15% Research Documentation: Work with the PI to plan and draft extramural research proposals to support ongoing and future projects. Prepare manuscripts reporting study results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

5% Seminars and Professional Development: Present at least one formal seminar per year, locally or at a relevant national meeting. Attend relevant local seminars, journal clubs, and symposia.

Salary: $62,000-$65,000

Special Instructions:
Application materials must include a resume/CV, a cover letter, and the contact information for 2–3 professional/academic references. The cover letter should describe previous research experience, interest in chromatin biology and gene regulation, and how this position fits into your long-term career goals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:
• PhD, or equivalent degree, in biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience as evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with standard genomic approaches such as RNA-seq and ChIP-qPCR/seq.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and/or coding (e.g., Python, R) for data analysis.
• A willingness to learn and expand skillset and research interests.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification (e.g., affinity chromatography, ion exchange, size exclusion chromatography).
• Experience with bacterial cell culture.
• Familiarity with biophysical protein-protein interaction techniques.

About the Department

BMBB:

The department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer; developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology; and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics. We organize ourselves into research divisions with emphases on Chemical and Structural Biology, Metabolic and Systems Biology, Molecular Biology and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. We are housed in new buildings with state-of-the-art research and support facilities.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,480-$65,000 ; 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.