Career Center

Title: Post-Doctoral Associate

Classification: 9546

The Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School is inviting applications for a postdoctoral associate for a three (3) year fellowship, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance, availability of work, and grant/departmental funding. This position is based out of Minneapolis, MN and regular on-site work will be expected. Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, residing in Minnesota is typically required.

The Neuro Immuno Interface (NII) lab studies the interaction between sensory neurons, epithelial cells and immune system, and circadian rhythm roles in this interaction. Our lab has discovered cutaneous neurotransmitter and light receptors and their crucial function in skin sensation (itch and pain), homeostasis and their relation to circadian rhythm. Using human primary keratinocytes, fibroblast culture, knock-out mice model with molecular and cellular techniques, we have characterized inter-cellular, cellular-matrix, skin cell, peripheral nerve fibers interaction and the receptor signaling pathways.  

Job Responsibilities:

The post-doctoral associate will conduct experiments and further develop the molecular biology related projects in the lab using epigenetic and transcriptomic analysis and molecular biochemical techniques, dissecting signaling pathway and transcriptional regulatory mechanism in the interaction between epithelial, immune, and nerve cells, and the effects of cytokines and neurotransmitters on epithelial circadian rhythms and the downstream effects of the circadian genes to the cellular DNA. Our lab mainly uses human skin biopsies, primary keratinocyte, iPSC derived sensory neurons, and 2D and 3D model system as tools. 

Required Qualifications (must be mentioned on resume):

• Applicants must possess a PhD degree in the field of molecular biology, pharmacology, neuroscience or related fields, and at least one (1) or more years of research training.
• Experience in molecular biology/cellular biology work, particularly in epigenetic regulations in the translational interface between human disorders and cellular 2D and 3D models. 
• Demonstrated skills in experiment handling and design in molecular biology, cell culture, and/or fluorescence microscopy.
• Skilled working knowledge and experience of current biology/biochemistry pathways and techniques.
• Experience with molecular (RNA, DNA, Protein, ChIP and EMSA assay) and cellular analysis of biology samples and dissecting molecular signaling pathway.
• Good team player with strong communication skills, and the ability to think critically and troubleshooting independently.
• Abillity to contribute to manuscript completion as part of grant applications.
• Passionate about own work with strong work ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using different light source and interface design with microscopy and immuno- histochemistry.
• Skill of isolating RNA and protein from human tissues preferably epithelial and skin tissues. 
• Knowledge in G-protein coupled receptors, intracellular signaling, circadian rhythm, photobiology.
• Experience with human primary human skin cells such as keratinocyte, stem cell derived sensory neurons and related cells for 2D and 3D models.
• Productive and prolific publication(s).
• Bio-engineering skills and experience designing new assays for co-culture system and optical physics for novel in-vivo human studies using spectroscopy and/or in-vivo confocal microscopy.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities