Post-Doctoral Associate - Rheumatology

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and generous time off

Medical and dental plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota is expanding its immunology laboratory to study tolerance during autoimmunity and transplantation. The postholder will design and execute experiments on cellular therapies, including CAR Treg generation and mouse model work, with data-driven interpretation and dissemination.

The role involves supervision of technicians and students, coordination of lab operations, and contribution to manuscript preparation and protocol development within a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and B.S./B.A. in biological sciences or equivalent education plus 10 years combined experience.
• Five years immunology research experience.
• Expertise in multiparametric flow cytometry and high-dimensional immunophenotyping.
• Experience with primary cell isolation (murine lymphoid tissue), Treg cultures, ELiSPOT/ELISA.
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA techniques (PCR/qRT-PCR, Western blot) and histology/IHC.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent research on immunological tolerance and therapy strategies.
• Design, execute, and evaluate cellular therapy pathways and trials in diabetes models.
• Manage and evaluate experimental data, supervise technicians and undergraduates.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Immunophenotyping

ELIspot/ELISA

Mouse handling

CAR Treg generation

PCR/qRT-PCR

Western blot

Histology/IHC

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in biological sciences

B.S./B.A. in biological sciences

Tools

Flow cytometer (multicolor)

PCR/qRT-PCR hardware

Western blot apparatus

Immunohistochemistry equipment

ELiSPOT reader

Cell culture equipment

Job description

Location

Twin Cities

Contract Type

Full-Time

Employment Type

Regular

About the Job

Job Description: Our lab is interested in understanding the fundamental biological mechanisms for immunological tolerance during autoimmunity and transplantation, directed at therapeutic intervention strategies. We are using autoimmune animal models to understand biological processes involved with autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Immune checkpoint inhibition as well as chimeric antigen receptor T cells are being investigated as therapeutic options for restoring immunological tolerance. The post-holder will be involved in the design, development, execution and characterization of novel pathways as therapeutic targets. In this role the responsibilities will involve the management and evaluation of experimental cellular therapies for diabetes using mouse models; this will include genotyping (PCR), drug preparation and delivery and dissection of mice upon trial completion; play a role in trial evaluation via protein and RNA analysis including histology, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, cellular assays, RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, ELIspot and cellular imaging. Scientist will help use the data collected from these evaluation methods to initiate subsequent trials; assist in normal lab and mouse colony maintenance and organization, supervise other technicians and undergraduate students; and perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties:

Perform independent research projects according to established protocols and following direction of PI to include: MAb production, cell culture, CAR Treg generation, evaluation, and immune suppression assays, drug preparation, tolerance experiments, diabetes assessment, plasmid transfection, drug preparation and administration, assist with PBMC and tissue preparations, assist with surgical procedures, and perform flow cytometry analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Prepare written and graphical descriptions of results to discuss with PI. Review scientific literature, technical documents, and perform other experiments as assigned by the PI. (70%)

Dirty mouse facility experimental design, execution, monitoring, injections, and tissue harvest, and analysis to evaluate the role of microbes on the immune response during the induction and prevention of type 1 diabetes and how checkpoint inhibition impacts disease progression. (30%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: (Must be documented on all application materials)

• Ph.D and B.S. or B.A. in biological sciences, related field, or education and work experience in biological science to equal a combination of 10 years. Five years Immunology research experience.

• Multiparametric flow cytometry, FACS-based cell sorting, high-dimensional immunophenotyping, and FlowJo analysis.
• Primary cell isolation (murine lymphoid/ocular tissue, human PBMCs), Treg cultures, ELiSPOT, and ELISA.
• Complex murine tissue harvesting, islet cell isolation/transplantation, and blood collection.
• Systemic, local, and ocular injections, along with disease induction (EAU), adoptive transfers, and genetic fate mapping.
• DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, Western blot, mAb purification, comet assays, and enzyme kinetics/spectroscopy.
• Sterile mammalian/tumor cell line maintenance (BSL-2), in vitro transmigration, and ex vivo explant cultures.
• Confocal/fluorescence microscopy, IHC, and ICC.
• Independent execution of autoimmune and T-cell differentiation research projects, statistical analysis (Prism), and SOP/report writing.
• Solution preparation, safe handling of hazardous/biohazardous waste, and collaborative team support.

Preferred Qualifications

Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse handling, monitoring and husbandry skills including diabetes monitoring and management, biological/cellular imaging, and human tissues, PCR troubleshooting, Western blot analysis, aseptic technique and assistance with surgical procedures is highly desirable.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: The starting is $29.91 to $35.96 depending on education/qualifications/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 recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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: 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 University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (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 on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.