Post-Doctoral Associate

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 62,232 - 75,564; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Employee wellbeing program

Financial counseling services

Job summary

A prominent research university in Minnesota is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biophysics. The ideal candidate should possess skills in biophysical characterization, experimental design, and data analysis while being capable of effectively managing projects. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $62,232 to $75,564 and excellent benefits, including training opportunities and health plans. The role allows for flexible work arrangements and involvement in diverse, cutting-edge research projects.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant sciences.
• Competency in biochemical and biophysical characterization.
• Ability to manage research projects with little oversight.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and propose experiments advancing lab research objectives.
• Process and analyze data using specialized software.
• Communicate findings and document lab progress.

Skills

Biochemical characterization

Problem-solving skills

Organization skills

Written and verbal communication in English

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related field

Tools

Cryo-electron microscopy

X-ray crystallography

Chromatography

Mass-spectrometry

Job description

About the Job

The French lab at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is looking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our multi‑disciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the physical sciences and experience with the biophysical characterization of proteins and protein complexes. Experience with structural biology (cryo‑EM or crystallography), chromatography, mass‑spec‑based targeted metabolomics, assay development, lipid biochemistry or immunology would be considered assets.

For more information about projects and recent publications, please see the lab webpage at: https://sbufrenchlab.wordpress.com/.

This position provides excellent learning opportunities and access to state‑of‑the‑art resources and facilities, including training and regular access to our in‑house electron microscopy suite, a triple‑quad LC/MS‑MS for compound ID and targeted metabolomics, full medicinal chemistry capabilities for the synthesis and evaluation of small molecules, and a suite of advanced technologies for biophysical characterization.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

The candidate would be expected to work on multiple aspects of one or more projects at any one time, including experimental design, implementation, data collection, analysis, dissemination of research data, independent work and collaboration, maintaining a safe environment, and active participation in group meetings.

Propose, Plan, and Conduct Laboratory‑Based Experiments (60%)

• In collaboration with the PI and other lab personnel, propose, optimize, and plan experiments that will advance our lab’s research objectives.
• Carry out a wide range of wet‑lab experiments efficiently and safely.
• Develop competency in the use of advanced technologies relevant to the lab’s research objectives.

Process and Analyze Data (20%)

• Use advanced, specialized software tools to process data collected from laboratory experiments.
• Compile and analyze processed data using a variety of software tools.

Science Communications (5%)

• Communicate research findings to different audiences, including the PI and group members, the broader scientific community, and the general public.
• Regularly document progress in lab notebooks and similar formats.
• Assist the PI and other lab personnel in writing text and generating figures for dissemination of research findings in posters, presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications.

Laboratory Oversight and Administration (5%)

• Assist the PI and other lab personnel in maintaining a safe, clean, and productive laboratory environment.
• Assist with laboratory receiving, ordering, and inventory management, as needed.
• Assist with other lab admin responsibilities including, but not limited to, lab cleaning, maintenance of stocks, maintenance of equipment, and laboratory waste management.

Training and Development (5%)

• Through interactions with the PI and other lab personnel, workshops, courses, and seminars, develop and/or extend expertise in research techniques applicable to the lab’s research objectives.
• Assist with training of new lab personnel and oversight of junior laboratory personnel.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Other duties as assigned by the PI.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office, depending on the position. Some on‑site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One, which expects primarily on‑site work in the office/lab, with occasional remote work.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., DDS, DVM, JD, MD or equivalent.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related field.
• Competency in standard biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins.
• Strong work ethic and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organization skills as well as competency in written and verbal communication in English.
• The candidate must be able to effectively manage research projects with little oversight from the PI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background and training in biochemistry, chemistry, and biophysics.
• Experience with the characterization of proteins using cryo‑EM, X‑ray crystallography, or related approaches; extensive use of chromatography, spectroscopy, and related biophysical approaches; experience with mass‑spectrometry‑based characterization of small molecules/metabolites; experience with cell biology or immunology research; training/experience in assay development and/or pharmacology.
• Experience using multiple protein expression platforms, including mammalian, bacterial, insect, and yeast.
• Enthusiastic, self‑motivated, keen to learn, and able to thrive in a highly collaborative and multi‑disciplinary research environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232–$75,564, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training.
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

Diversity

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. To learn more about diversity at the U, please visit http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The University presumes that prospective employees are eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. 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.