Career Center

This position is located on-site in Austin, MN. We are particularly interested in a candidate that is enthusiastic, self-motivated, keen to learn, and able to thrive in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary research  environment. First and second year post-PhD candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 

The Verma Lab at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is looking to hire a Post-Doctoral Associate. The primary focus of the lab is cancer immunotherapy and immune metabolism. Using cutting edge technology, the lab strives to establish the role of checkpoint inhibition and its interplay with metabolic pathways in the complex tumor microenvironment with an intent to improve the therapeutic outcomes. We are looking to recruit a highly motivated scientist to work on projects related to immune-oncology, cell metabolism and cancer immunotherapy. The ideal candidate will have a strong  background in immunology, cancer biology, basics of cancer immunotherapy and cellular metabolism.

Experience working with mice, handling primary and continuous cell culture, multicolor FACS staining and analysis is highly desirable. Working knowledge of bioinformatic analysis of omics data is desired but not absolutely required. The selected candidate would be expected to bring intellectual and technical know-how of the research areas mentioned above. For more information, please refer to the recent publications (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/10e3dniOfhp56/bibliography/public/). This position provides an excellent learning opportunity, access to state-of-the-art resources, including top-of-the-line instruments for immune-oncology, metabolism, structural biology, cell biology and microscopy. The candidate would also be encouraged to write Post-Doctoral grant applications.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The candidate would be expected to work on multiple aspects of one or more projects at any given time. This will include, but is not limited to, experimental design, implementation and data collection as well as 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 The Hormel Institute and outside. The candidate would also be expected to help in day to day activities of the such as ordering supplies and maintaining the mice colony including breeding, weaning and keeping a detailed log of the animal colony.

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
PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field with hands on experience in mice handling.
Ability to work with primary cell cultures, FACS staining, and data analysis.


Preferred Qualifications

Ability to think and intellectual contribution to the project is a must.
Strong organization skills, strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong background and training in immunology and cancer biology.
Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as protein estimation, western  blot analysis, qRTPCR, DNA/RNA isolation would be highly desirable.
The candidate must be able to effectively manage research projects with little oversight  from the PI.

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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