Postdoc - Avian Respiratory Biology

About the Job

This is a 1-year appointment with the possibility of a 1-year extension based on performance and continued funding. The position is 100% in person.

The Turkey Health Laboratory in the Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to support a two-year research project entitled “Priming Turkey Airway Epithelium for Broad-Spectrum Respiratory Disease Resilience.”. This project investigates whether primary turkey airway epithelial cells can be primed using safe, non-infectious, pattern-mimicking ligands to enhance early immune responsiveness, epithelial barrier integrity, and recovery from respiratory stress. The work focuses on developing and validating in vitro air–liquid interface (ALI) airway epithelial culture platforms and defining epithelial-intrinsic mechanisms that contribute to respiratory disease resilience in turkeys. The project emphasizes avian respiratory and mucosal biology, epithelial barrier function, innate immune signaling, and translational poultry health. This position is highly experimental and mechanism-focused and does not involve live pathogen challenge studies.

The postdoctoral associate will serve as the primary researcher responsible for planning, executing, and troubleshooting experiments related to epithelial cell isolation, ALI culture, immune priming assays, and functional barrier measurements. This position provides strong professional development opportunities in epithelial immunology, respiratory biology, advanced in vitro modeling, and translational poultry research.

Responsibilities

Examples include, but are not limited to:

In vitro airway epithelial research – 60%

• Establish and maintain primary turkey airway epithelial cell cultures, including polarized ALI systems.
• Optimize epithelial priming protocols using mechanistically distinct ligands.
• Measure epithelial immune activation using RT-qPCR for interferons, cytokines, and chemokines.
• Assess epithelial barrier integrity and function using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), permeability assays (e.g., FITC–dextran), and tight-junction analyses.
• Evaluate epithelial repair and recovery using impedance-based or wound-response assays (e.g., ECIS).
• Perform downstream molecular analyses and data interpretation.

Data integration, documentation, and dissemination – 20%

• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
• Perform statistical analyses in collaboration with the PI and project team.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference abstracts, and presentations.

General and collaborative responsibilities – 20%

• Ensure compliance with laboratory biosafety, animal tissue use, and institutional protocols.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Provide training and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students working on related projects.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners with expertise in epithelial physiology and poultry health.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Cell Biology, Physiology, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Prior experience with mammalian or avian cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments.
• Strong organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with epithelial cell culture, polarized monolayers, or barrier function assays.
• Familiarity with air–liquid interface systems, TEER measurements, or impedance-based assays.
• Background in respiratory biology, innate immune signaling, or mucosal immunity.
• Experience working with avian species or agricultural animal models.

About the Department

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also maintains 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, as well as the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and multiple interdisciplinary centers. The college emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. CFANS aligns with the University of Minnesota’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and provides equal access to opportunities 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.

Department Overview

The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in CFANS is located on the St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major enrolls approximately 400 students across several emphasis areas including Production, Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science, and Poultry. Students gain broad scientific training and species-specific expertise that prepare them for careers in animal agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, and industry.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 per year ; 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.

Please upload the following required materials:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing qualifications and research interests
• Contact information for at least three references

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

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Sunantha Kosonsiriluk at sunantha@umn.edu.