Post Doctoral Associate

About the Job

A Post-Doctoral Associate research position is immediately available in Dr. Shujun Liu’s laboratory at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota. Candidates with a Ph.D. and expertise in cell & molecular biology/pathology and considerable Post-Doctoral experience are encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates must be highly motivated individuals who thrive on intellectual challenges and have a strong publication record. The candidate should have an ambition to succeed with strong enthusiasm for science. They will join a highly interactive, interdisciplinary team of researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise in a collaborative scientific environment. The appointment will be one year initially and renewable up to a total of 3-5 years based on performance. Stipends & salary will follow NIH guideline.

Successful candidates will be responsible for designing and conducting studies to investigate the role of aberrant epigenetics (DNA methylation, RNA N6-Methyladenosine) in cancer pathogenesis.

Areas of research in Dr. Liu’s lab include: the impact of epigenetics on cancer initiation and progression, the regulatory function of small non-coding RNA in cancer pathogenesis and the nanostructure-mediated drug and gene delivery for cancer therapy. Inquiries on specific projects and other details are welcome.

Duties/Responsibilities

The candidate is expected to work on multiple aspects of one or more projects at any one time. This will include, but is not limited to, experimental design, implementation, data collection, and the analysis and dissemination of research data. The individual would be expected to work independently but also to frequently collaborate with other lab members as well as scientists at other institutions. As an integral part of our research team, the candidate would be expected to help us to maintain a safe and professional work environment at all times, and to actively participate in regular group meetings.

• Treatment of cancer cell lines and patient samples.
• Performance of molecular biological studies to dissect oncogenic signaling.
• Establishment of cancer disease mouse models.
• Monitoring the transgenic mice.
• Drug administration in vivo and biological assays for the tissues and organs.
• Preparation of study reports.
• Help with drafting of publications and presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and Hormel Institute endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as OVPR Work Profile One.
Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at the Hormel Institute. Hormel management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D. in molecular pathology and cellular biology
• Significant experience working with in vitro and in vivo assays for oncogenic signaling, including gene cloning, lentivirus production/infection, chromatin immunoprecipitation, BRIC-qPCR, Ribo-qPCR.
• Handling of transgenic and cancer mice, including experience with iv, sc and ip injections of cells and drugs; experience with bone marrow transplantation. 
• Must work well within a dynamic and team-oriented start-up environment.
• Willing to take on multiple tasks and job assignments.
• Critical and independent thinking skills.

About the Department

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research department within the University of Minnesota’s Office of the Vice President for Research. Established in 1942, The Hormel Institute will soon be celebrating 80 years of innovative research and today’s vision is “We inspire discoveries that improve and extend human life.” The Hormel Institute’s biomedical research is primarily focused on cancer research and the center is cutting edge, after tripling in size in 2008 and again doubling in size in 2016. The Hormel Institute is continuing to grow and expand to broaden our impact through innovative, world class research. Our scientists have complete access to the most cutting-edge technologies including a cryo-electron microscope (Titan Krios and Tecnai G2 Spirit Biotwin), FACS cell sorter, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, protein crystallography robotics and defraction system, nano-HPLC-AB SCIEX triple TOF 5600 mass spectrometry, Leica tissue processor, embedder and microtome, real-time PCR instrumentation, 5 racks of Linux GPU supercomputers for computational biology and bioinformatics, spectrophotometers, and Western blot imagers. The Hormel Institute is located in Austin, MN, conveniently located 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute offers a collaborative, innovative, supportive work environment where you will contribute to our vision of “inspiring discoveries that improve and extend human life.”

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.  

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment.