Post-Doctoral Associate – Virology & RNA Biology

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Continuous learning opportunities

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

University HSA contributions

Disability and life insurance

Employee wellbeing program

Financial counseling services

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Virology & RNA Biology. This role focuses on identifying therapeutic targets to inhibit viral propagation while preserving host cell function.

You will lead research on post-transcriptional RNA regulation using primary cells and culture models, leveraging RNA modification, translational control, virology and structural biology to uncover molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis.

Qualifications

• PhD in virology, biochemistry or related area.
• Knowledge of virology and ability to map specialized translation pathways in hosts.
• Applied statistics to research plans and interpreting results.
• Demonstrated skill in quantitative assays and contemporary cloning techniques.
• Strong time management and recordkeeping.
• High degree of professionalism at work and teamwork capability.
• Proficient written and oral communication; anticipates challenges.
• Initiative and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize virology and cell biology assays.
• Characterize RNP components and validate mass spec, RNA seq, genetic, biochemical and structural analysis.
• Document results and plans in shared electronic database daily.
• Organize complex datasets and interpret to advance research to publication.
• Present results and lead scientific discussions of literature and emerging technologies.
• Write manuscript sections and develop aims for proposals; produce figures and tables.

Skills

virology knowledge

translation pathways in hosts

statistics in research

quantitative assays

cloning techniques

time management

recordkeeping

teamwork

written and oral communication

Education

Doctoral degree in virology/biochemistry or related area

Tools

Bioinformatics analysis

Job description

About the Job

Postdoctoral Associate – Virology & RNA Biology

this role will focus on identifying therapeutic targets that selectively inhibit viral propagation while preserving host cell function.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead research projects investigating post-transcriptional RNA regulation in viral and host systems. Using primary cells and cell culture models, the candidate will leverage expertise in RNA modification and translational control, virology and structural biology to dissect the molecular mechanisms driving viral pathogenesis.

Responsibilities

60% Contribute specialized knowledge and technical capabilities

• Develop and optimize rigorous virology and cell biology assays
• Characterize RNPs components and validate results of mass spec, RNA seq, genetic, biochemical and structural analysis
• Document results and plans in shared electronic database daily
• Organize complex datasets on shared drives and interpret to advance research to publication

20% Participate in lab operations

• Actively collaborate and prioritize rigor
• Advance critical thinking skills that resolve ambiguity in preliminary data and promote research productivity
• Learn, teach and troubleshoot techniques in a team environment
• Present results and lead scientific discussions of literature and emerging technologies

20% Advance research dissemination

• Present research findings at weekly lab meetings and at scientific conferences
• Write manuscript sections, develop aims and research plans for proposal submission
• Produce submission-ready figures and tables for frequent presentations and manuscript submissions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in virology, biochemistry or related area
• Knowledge of virology and ability to map specialized translation pathways in hosts
• Applied statistical measurements to research plans and to interpreting results
• Demonstrated skill in quantitative assays, contemporary cloning techniques
• Demonstrated mastery of time management and recordkeeping
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism at work
• Proven ability to work as a team member
• Proficient in communication skills, written and oral
• Anticipates challenges and solves problems
• Exhibits high degree of initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• Published research in virology
• Skilled in bioinformatics analysis

About the Department

The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (VBS) is dedicated to pioneering research, delivering top-tier education, and engaging with the community to provide exceptional services. For over 60 years, the department has been home to internationally recognized programs in foundational and translational biomedical research, training graduate, post-graduate, and veterinary students in fundamental and paraclinical sciences.

Research

Our research addresses critical questions related to acute and chronic diseases in both animals and humans. Using advanced scientific techniques, our four research clusters investigate the genetic, microbial, and immunological foundations of infectious diseases, as well as the biological mechanisms behind persistent and recurring illnesses. These discoveries help identify previously unknown disease-modifying molecular targets and develop innovative strategies to improve animal and human health.

Education

We provide comprehensive education for undergraduate, graduate, and professional veterinary students while also researching new and effective teaching methodologies. Our courses emphasize the intricate connections between animal and human health, equipping students with strong communication and critical thinking skills. This foundation prepares them for careers in animal or human healthcare, scientific research, agricultural sciences, and health policy.

Outreach

Faculty, staff, and students actively engage with the local community, research partners, industry leaders, and government agencies. Through outreach initiatives, we educate and inspire future scientists and medical professionals while addressing challenges that impact the health of companion animals, livestock, and people.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,000- $70,000 annually ; 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.