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This position is located on-site in Austin, MN.  The Hoeppner lab uses cellular function studies, biochemistry, molecular assays, mouse and zebrafish models, and immunostaining of human specimens to study the molecular basis of human disease to ultimately discover new strategies to improve people’s health, including research that may lead to new ways to combat cancer, cardiovascular disease, and lung injury.

This individual will study the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lung cancer cells use to develop resistance to molecular targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors (Alam…Hoeppner, Oncogene, 2021). Using this new knowledge, we aim to develop innovative approaches to prevent, predict, diagnose, and treat lung cancer. Opportunities also exist in the lab investigating the molecular regulation of vascular permeability, a process that plays a role in the pathology of cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions, and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema, sepsis, and acute lung injury (Wang…Hoeppner, Dis Model Mech, 2021). 

Responsibilities

• The position entails working on several projects studying lung cancer using primarily mouse models of cancer, mammalian cell culture, and molecular biology assays, including immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, transcriptional regulation/gene expression analysis, qPCR, cell function assays, and cell transfections. 
• This role works under general supervision and collaborates with the principal investigator to achieve optimal results. If desired, concurrent opportunities also exist to work with zebrafish to study vascular permeability.
• Participation in the design, implementation and analysis of hypothesis-driven research projects; manuscript preparation; critical review of relevant scientific literature; learning how to train and supervise data collection personnel. 
• Write manuscripts describing their findings to be submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals for publication. Manuscripts will include reporting of methodology and statistical presentation (graphs, charts, etc.) prepared using software to explain findings. The postdoc will work with mice and learn to manage a mouse colony. 
• Learn to participate in grant writing activities and will be mentored in preparing their own independent postdoctoral grant applications.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

70% - Ongoing Research

• Design and implementation of hypothesis-driven research projects.

15% - Analysis & Review

• Analysis and review of generated data and reviewing previously reported scientific literature.

15% - Scientific Writing

• Including reporting research findings in manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed biomedical journals and grant writing. 
• Generation of figures for manuscripts and grants proposals.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and The 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.  Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

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

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., DDS, DVM, JD, MD or equivalent
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Publication as the first author in peer-reviewed journals
• Creative, organized and hardworking
• Willing to train others, and capable of working independently as well as in a team approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience using zebrafish models is not required, but applicants with zebrafish experience also are encouraged to apply. 
• Experience working with molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and mouse models is strongly preferred.

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.

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