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Postdoctoral Scholar
Qualifications
All applicants must have a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, physics, mechanical engineering or a related field. Expertise in bacterial biofilms, gene expression analyses (transcriptomics and/or qRT-PCR), proteomics, and/or high-resolution imaging is desirable. Computational experience is a desirable asset, but not required.
About the Job
A position is available in the lab of Ryan Hunter (Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Minnesota) for a postdoctoral scholar to pursue a National Science Foundation study focusing on the effects of cold atmospheric plasmas (CAP), and the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species they generate, on bacterial biofilm communities. In collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this translational effort will leverage cutting-edge CAP methodologies combined with transcriptomics, proteomics, and high-resolution imaging to probe bacterial activity at the single-cell level.
The position term is for one year, but annually renewable depending on funding and performance. The successful candidate will receive training in professional development, clinical and translational research, effective communication, and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Start date is flexible.
Position Description
75% CAP effects on bacterial biofilms: The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for all wet-lab aspects of the study, including preparation of biological materials, application of CAP to bacterial biofilms, proteomic and transcriptomics analyses, and single-cell imaging.
15% Publication and presentation of data: It is expected that the successful candidate communicate their findings through publications in top-tier research journals in the field and via presentation at local, national, and international meetings. Strong writing skills and a publication record would be an asset in this regard.
10% Training and mentoring of undergraduates: It is anticipated that the postdoc will train and foster the development of junior lab members.
How To Apply
Applications should include: (i) brief cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, and (iii) names and contact information for three references. All materials should be uploaded through the University of Minnesota’s online system. Please contact Dr. Ryan Hunter (rchunter@umn.edu) should you have any questions.
Researcher 5
Qualifications
All applicants must have a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, physics, mechanical engineering or a related field. Expertise in bacterial biofilms, gene expression analyses (transcriptomics and/or qRT-PCR), proteomics, and/or high-resolution imaging is desirable. Computational experience is a desirable asset, but not required.
About the Job
A position is available in the lab of Ryan Hunter (Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Minnesota) for a Researcher 4 or 5 to pursue a National Science Foundation study focusing on the effects of cold atmospheric plasmas (CAP), and the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species they generate, on bacterial biofilm communities. In collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this translational effort will leverage cutting-edge CAP methodologies combined with transcriptomics, proteomics, and high-resolution imaging to probe bacterial activity at the single-cell level. The position term is for one year, but annually renewable depending on funding and performance. The successful candidate will receive training in professional development, clinical and translational research, effective communication, and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Start date is flexible.
Position Description
75% CAP effects on bacterial biofilms: The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for all wet-lab aspects of the study, including preparation of biological materials, application of CAP to bacterial biofilms, proteomic and transcriptomics analyses, and single-cell imaging.
15% Publication and presentation of data: It is expected that the successful candidate communicate their findings through publications in top-tier research journals in the field and via presentation at local, national, and international meetings. Strong writing skills and a publication record would be an asset in this regard.
10% Training and mentoring of undergraduates: It is anticipated that the postdoc will train and foster the development of junior lab members.
How To Apply
Applications should include: (i) brief cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, and (iii) names and contact information for three references. All materials should be uploaded through the University of Minnesota’s online system. Please contact Dr. Ryan Hunter (rchunter@umn.edu) should you have any questions.
Researcher 1
About the Job
Researches the microbial ecology of airway infection and the nutritional dynamics that sustain pathogen colonization. Designs and executes experiment and analyzes data. Manages and collects clinical samples. Assists in running operations in the lab including coordinating lab meetings, stocking supplies, ensuring lab safety, and training employees.
Qualifications
Required: A bachelor’s degree (preferably in Microbiology) or college level coursework in the biological sciences and laboratory experience to total four years. Previous lab experience required, and must be experienced with a range of molecular biology methods (cloning, genetic screens, transposon mutagenesis and quantitative PCR), bacterial culturing, and microscopy. Experience with animal models and/or cell culture is essential, and familiarity with general laboratory duties (media preparation, ordering, lab safety and orientation, chemical inventories) is an asset.
Duties/Responsibilities
Research (60%)
- Conduct investigations or experiments in an assigned area to aid in finding the solution to a research problem.
- Write routine summary reports on results of work and confers with supervisors on interpretation of results and avenues of investigation.
- Test laboratory techniques, modify or develop new protocols, maintain and adapt laboratory equipment.
- Execute experiments using methods created according to previously published methods or novel methods developed as needed.
- Confer with other lab personnel in drafting work schedules and plans for execution of the more complex laboratory studies.
- Independently create and plan experiments based on knowledge of the field, gained by researching the relevant literature, and collaboration with other labs.
- Analyze data collected from experiments. Synthesize data in easily readable format and prepare graphs, charts, tables and reports of data.
- Review literature relating to research projects; authors or assists in writing technical report for publication, deliverable/summary reports, and research proposals.
Clinical Responsibilities (20%)
- Manage clinical sample collection, including record keeping, processing, collection and sample shipment.
- Aid in patient recruitment and consenting.
Administrative (20%)
- Take regular inventory and maintain laboratory equipment. Keep detailed ordering budgetary records which apply to specific grants.
- Investigate and evaluate vendors and products.
- Assists in running operations in the lab. Ensuring lab safety and training employees. Orienting new lab members to the lab and integrating them into lab systems (slack, quartzy, etc.).
Applications should include: (i) brief cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, and (iii) names and contact information for three references. All materials should be uploaded through the University of Minnesota’s online system. Please contact Dr. Ryan Hunter (rchunter@umn.edu) should you have any questions.