Post-Doctoral Associate

Summary of Position: Position is for a Postdoctoral Associate in plant molecular biology. Primary responsibilities include conducting research under the supervision of the Professor. The Postdoc will be responsible for meeting goals associated with grants. The Postdoc will be expected to interact with and communicate well with other members of the research team. The Postdoc will assist with supervision of a technician. Primary goals of current funding source is to develop RNA viral vectors to deliver genome editing reagents to enable heritable editing in Sorghum bicolor, maize and other monocots.

65% Perform Research: Lead role in developing methods to make targeted mutations in plants using sequence-specific nucleases. Researcher will develop viral-based mutagenesis strategies in monocots. The plants will then be characterized molecularly to determine whether mutations have been introduced and the molecular nature of the mutations.

20% Design Experiments: Lead role in designing and troubleshooting experiments that are required to complete the grant objectives.

10% Prepare results for presentation: Publish results in major journals in the field and present at national and international meetings. The candidate will compile the data, prepare figures and incorporate them into a manuscript(s) describing the results and significance of work, and create posters and PowerPoint presentations for scientific meetings.

5% Archive data and materials: Document all experiments performed in the course of the study; archive all reagents and primary data generated; ensure that a full record of the work as well as all strains, clones and reagents are maintained.

Restrictions:
Limited to a period of three years up to five, depending on training needs. The individual may be immediately post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry. Post-doctoral associates cannot be appointed on sponsored institutional training grants, sponsored individual fellowship or training awards. Post-doctoral associates are University of Minnesota employees. They are receiving additional training while also performing services for the University, for which they are compensated.

Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees.

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in genetics, plant biology or related discipline; extensive experience is required in molecular biological and biochemical methods; demonstrated ability to design research projects and publish results in a timely fashion.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supervising other researchers. Experience with Genome Engineering platforms and with viral delivery of genome engineering reagents.

GCD:

The Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development (GCD) spans a broad spectrum of biological disciplines, including the storage and expression of information (genetics), its translation into the workings of individual cells (cell biology), and the assembly of cells into tissues and organ systems (development).

Our vision for the future of the department embraces three critical strategies: 1) integration of methods and ideas across disciplines, 2) collaborative projects that assemble the people required to achieve that integration, and 3) strategic use of model systems that provide the most powerful experimental access to important biological and medical problems. With our uniquely diverse expertise, these approaches allow us to build upon innovative basic science and to translate fundamental discoveries into direct benefits for society.

Pay Range: $61,008 - $62,652 annual salary; 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

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

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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