"Postdoc – Dairy Metabolic Physiology"

Job Details

About the Job

Dr. Isaac Salfer’s lab in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota is looking to hire a highly motivated individual to serve as a postdoctoral research associate focused on the interaction of circadian biology and metabolic physiology in dairy cows. The focus of this position is to investigate the impact of individual nutrients on the regulation of circadian rhythms in the liver of cows, and how changes in those rhythms result in meaningful changes in nutrient utilization, energy partitioning, and health of the animal.

The Salfer lab focuses on improving our understanding of the biology of dairy cows to develop applied strategies to improve feed utilization of dairy cows. We utilize a variety of research approaches including indirect calorimetry, marker-based approaches, cell culture, in vitro batch and continuous culture fermentation, immunoassays (e.g. ELISAs), metabolomics, and molecular biology approaches (e.g. qPCR, 16S sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics). The laboratory has access to the University of Minnesota Genomics center, which is a global leader in molecular biological approaches with the capability to perform state-of-the-art approaches such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Within the lab, this individual will have the ability to develop their own professional skills, advance their knowledge of novel research techniques, and continue to grow as an independent scientist. Members of the Salfer lab are also given opportunities to interact with dairy farmers, nutritionists, and extension specialists to develop skills and knowledge related to practical dairy farm consulting and develop a professional network within the field. It is expected that individual hired in this position will be actively involved in all aspects of the lab activities including reviewing literature, refining experimental designs, animal care and handling, travel for research purposes, collecting samples, conducting experiments, preparing interpretation and summaries of results, participating in conferences, preparing manuscripts, sharing lab management duties, participate in lab meetings, and be a good departmental citizen.

This position is 100% in person. This is a 100% time, 1-year appointment with the possibility of extension if funding becomes available.

Responsibilities

Examples of potential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading in vivo experiments with dairy cows focused on circadian biology and nutrition
• Completion of liver and adipose tissue biopsies from dairy cows
• RNA and phosphoprotein extraction for transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics
• Quantitative PCR, Western Blots, and other laboratory techniques as needed for the projects
• Bioinformatics of transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic data with support from UMN Genomics Center
• Leading in vitro cell culture experiments with liver and adipose tissue.
• Participate in lab management responsibilities
• Assist with training undergraduate and graduate students in research techniques
• Prepare results summaries to share with collaborators and prepare manuscripts of research results

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Animal Science, Biology, or related field
• Prior experience in cell culture, cellular and molecular biology techniques
• Previous experience working with large animals (preferably cattle) in a research setting
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 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 have 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 include the following with your application (required application materials):

• CV
• Cover letter explaining qualifications
• Contact information of at least 3 references are required

For questions regarding this position, please contact Isaac Salfer, ijsalfer@umn.edu.