Post-Doctoral Associate: GI Division: Song Lab

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is offering a postdoctoral position in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition focusing on liver cancer and metabolic diseases. The role involves conducting bench research, analyzing data, and preparing manuscripts. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or M.D. with relevant research experience and skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics. Benefits include competitive wages, health plans, and generous time off.

Qualifications

• Less than three years of post-graduate research experience in liver cancer, immunology, metabolic diseases, microRNA, and RNA drug delivery.
• At least one first-author publication.
• Strong motivation and fast learning ability required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative research studies.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Assist with manuscript and grant preparation.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cellular biology

AI-based bioinformatics

Mouse models

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. or M.D.

Tools

Hydrodynamic injection

Hepatocyte isolation

DNA and RNA isolation

Western blot

Northern blot

Southern blot

Real-time RT-PCR

Luciferase assay

Fluorescence microscopy

Immunostaining

Mouse mating

Small animal surgery

Job description

About the Job

Program/Unit Description: The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition is in the Department of Medicine within the Medical School at the University of Minnesota. The Division provides an array of clinical services, educational programs, and active clinical and basic science research activities. In addition to faculty at the university campus, there are also university faculty who participate in GI research and training activities at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Hennepin County Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and Regions Hospital.

The Division plays a leading role in hepatology and liver transplantation, hosting one of the longest standing liver transplant programs in the United States. It is home to a nationally‑recognized division for ERCP, EUS, and management of complex pancreas/biliary disorders. Historically, the Division has made seminal contributions in the fields of hepatology and nutrition, and generates important knowledge in our understanding of liver metabolism. More recently, it has contributed to the understanding of the role of pancreaticobiliary endoscopy in the management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction, complications of ERCP, endoscopic therapy of pancreatic diseases, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

Responsibilities: Participate in the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative research studies; analyze and interpret data; create publication‑quality figures summarizing data; assist with manuscript and grant preparation; maintain a legible and self‑explanatory scientific notebook; present results during lab meetings and at appropriate scientific conferences. Major duties include conducting bench research as directed by Dr. Song and collaborating with other research staff on scientific pursuits of mutual interests.

Research Direction, Working Environment and Benefits: The PI’s lab focuses on the basic and translational research of liver cancer and metabolic diseases. In addition to basic research, we have made groundbreaking progress in developing miRNA‑based immunotherapeutic approaches for liver cancer and NAFLD/NASH. The purpose of the lab is to educate the next generation of research scientists. All projects that the postdoctoral fellows will focus on are well developed; the key phenotypic experiments have been completed and there is strong potential to publish in high‑tier journals. Minneapolis is a quiet, beautiful, and safe place to live with a low cost of living. Promotion chances are high for postdoctoral fellows with solid publications, and the PI is committed to providing strong recommendations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D. required
• Less than three years of post‑graduate research experience in liver cancer, immunology, metabolic diseases, microRNA, and RNA drug delivery
• At least one first‑author publication
• Skills in molecular biology, cellular biology, AI‑based bioinformatics, and mouse models required, including single‑cell RNA sequencing and data analysis, hydrodynamic injection, hepatocyte isolation, DNA and RNA isolation, western blot, northern blot, southern blot, real‑time RT‑PCR, luciferase assay, fluorescence microscopy, immunostaining, mouse mating, and small animal surgery
• Strong motivation and fast learning ability required

Preferred Qualifications

• Less than three years of post‑graduate research experience in liver cancer, immunology, metabolic diseases, microRNA, and RNA drug delivery
• At least one first‑author publication
• Skills as listed in required qualifications
• Strong motivation and fast learning ability required

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,000-78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience;

The Medical School aligns Postdoctoral compensation with the NRSA Stipend levels, based on years of Postdoc 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
• Health care 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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

For those interested, please send a CV and names of three references to Dr. Guisheng Song ([e-mail]).

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and supporting its academic mission. It is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunities 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. Learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

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.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

UMTC is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students at the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).