Postdoctoral Associate

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our multi-disciplinary team. The candidate will apply biophysical methods to study proteins and protein complexes, with strengths in cryo-EM or crystallography, chromatography, and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.

This position emphasizes structure-guided enzymology and drug discovery related to immune signaling proteins, with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and collaborative

Qualifications

• Strong background in physical sciences and biophysical characterization of proteins and protein complexes.
• Experience with structural biology techniques (cryo-EM or crystallography).
• Experience with chromatography and mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics.
• Experience with assay development, lipid biochemistry or immunology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Propose, design, and conduct laboratory-based experiments aligned with multiple projects.
• Process and analyze data using advanced software tools.
• Communicate findings and contribute to posters, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Maintain a safe and productive laboratory environment and assist with admin duties.

Skills

Protein biophysics

Structural biology

Assay development

Biochemical techniques

Immunology applications

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Cryo-EM

Crystallography

LC-MS/MS

Chromatography

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. The lab has a number of NIH‑and NSF‑funded basic and translational research projects including the characterization of higher‑order structures of proteins involved in nucleotide metabolism, the discovery and development of immunomodulatory inhibitors as drug leads, target validation and assay development for novel chemotherapeutics, method development for Cryo‑EM, and mechanistic studies of signal transduction in photoreceptors. The selected candidate would be expected to be an intellectual leader in one project area and contribute to other research in the lab. A particular focus of this position is expected to be the structure‑guided enzymology and drug discovery of proteins, and protein complexes, implicated in human immune signaling pathways. For more information about projects and recent publications, please see the lab webpage at: https://sbufrenchlab.wordpress.com.

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. The lab has a number of NIH‑and NSF‑funded basic and translational research projects including the characterization of higher‑order structures of proteins involved in nucleotide metabolism, the discovery and development of immunomodulatory inhibitors as drug leads, target validation and assay development for novel chemotherapeutics, method development for Cryo‑EM, and mechanistic studies of signal transduction in photoreceptors. The selected candidate would be expected to be an intellectual leader in one project area and contribute to other research in the lab. A particular focus of this position is expected to be the structure‑guided enzymology and drug discovery of proteins, and protein complexes, implicated in human immune signaling pathways. 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 (Titan Krios 5, Titan Krios G2, Arctis Cryo‑Plasma FIB/SEM) for cryo‑EM and cryo‑ET studies, 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 the biophysical characterization of samples including instruments for surface plasmon resonance, grating‑coupled interferometry, photometry and multi‑angle light scattering, among others. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Focus Of Job Responsibilities

The candidate would be expected to work on multiple aspects of one or more projects at any one 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 frequently collaborate with lab members and other scientists. As an integral part of our research team, the candidate would be expected to help us to always maintain a safe and professional work environment, and to actively participate in regular 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, among others.
• Regularly document progress in lab notebooks and similar formats.
• Assist the PI and other lab personnel in writing text and generating figures to disseminate 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%

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) 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 eligible for Flexible Work Profile One. Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. 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.