"Rsch Pro 5-Biomed Research"

About the Job

Summary: The Senior Researcher will serve as a scientific group leader within Prof. Oh's laboratory, exercising independent authority in writing new research grants as the PI or co-PI and executing the grant if funded, advancing our Michael J. Fox Foundation–funded research on new diagnostic technologies for Parkinson’s disease. The position requires directing major aspects of the research program, writing new grants to sustain our laboratory's critical R&D, leading collaborations with faculty and external partners, and providing scientific and managerial oversight to postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• 60% – Research Leadership and Innovation: Lead the design, development, and optimization of “same-day RT-QuIC” technology for blood-based detection of Parkinson’s disease. Direct development of diagnostic kits and nanoparticle-enhanced fluorescence assay protocols. Serve as primary or senior author on reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations. Provide intellectual leadership in the integration of AI and machine learning approaches for image/data analysis. Establish new experimental protocols and oversee their implementation by team members.
• 20% – Project and Personnel Management: Manage and oversee research activities within the group, especially in biomedical assays, including work of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Mentor and supervise junior researchers (e.g., graduate assistants, postdocs), ensuring scientific rigor and professional development. Lead cross-institutional collaborations and represent the lab in communications with external sponsors (e.g., NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory, the Michael J. Fox Foundation). Oversee project reporting, budgeting, and milestone tracking.
• 20% – Strategic Development and Training: Serve as Co-PI or Co-I in developing new grant proposals to NIH and research initiatives, contributing to long-term sustainability of the program. Provide high-level scientific advising and mentoring to students and junior staff. Organize and lead team meetings, oversee record-keeping, and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies.

Required Qualifications:

PhD in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related area, with one or more years of postdoctoral or equivalent independent research experience. Demonstrated expertise in protein misfolding amplification assays (RT-QuIC or related), fluorescence detection, and misfolded protein diagnostics. Proven experience in leading research projects, and developing new experimental protocols. Experience in deep learning and image analysis is strongly preferred.

About the Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering. Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website.

Pay and Benefits

Fixed Pay Rate: $95,000. Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment. Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; continuous learning opportunities; low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts; University HSA contributions; disability and employer-paid life insurance; employee wellbeing program; excellent retirement plans with employer contribution; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity; financial counseling services; Employee Assistance Program; and Employee Transit Pass.

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. This position will remain open until filled. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.