Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

The Babicheva lab at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and talented scientist to join an enthusiastic and collaborative team of outstanding scientists. The successful applicant will hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution, in the area of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology or biomedicine and have a strong track record of, and potential for, success.

The applicant should have a keen research interest in cell signaling, calcium dynamics, or micro

RNA regulation in cardiovascular research. He/she should be self-motivated in the assigned research projects, should be willing to receive training that enhances the individual s professional development and future formation of his/her own career as well as should be willing to seek for research funding. He/she should have experience of working in a research team environment and have experience of writing research reports, publications or other relevant outputs.

Qualified individuals with experience in cellular and molecular biology or animal physiology in the field of pulmonary hypertension and/or heart failure are preferred. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

About the Lab

The position is in the laboratory of Dr. Aleksandra Babicheva with overall interest in pulmonary vascular pathophysiology and right heart dysfunction, with particular emphasis on: a) pathogenic and therapeutic mechanisms of pulmonary vascular diseases including pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, sickle cell disease and scleroderma; b) endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary vascular remodeling; c) Ca2+ dynamics in pulmonary vascular cells;

d) role of micro

RNAs in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension. A multidisciplinary approach combining physiological, pharmacological, genetic, biochemical and molecular biological techniques is used to study the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension and to find new targets to develop novel therapeutically effective treatments for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physiological and pharmacological experiments in mice and rats including assessment of lung and heart function, isometric vessel tension in rodent or human pulmonary arteries using wire myograph, isolate vascular endothelial/smooth muscle cells from rodent and human lungs.
• Conduct cellular and molecular biological experiments including Western Blot, immunofluorescence, PCR, qPCR, cell-based assays, fluorescence calcium imaging.
• Perform data acquisition and analysis, grant and manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at weekly lab meetings.
• Maintain transgenic mouse colonies (i.e., breeding and genotyping), managing lab research records (e.g., methodological approaches, experimental records, and protocols).
• Maintain a safe, clean and functional laboratory.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

• 70% - Ongoing Research
  • Design and implementation of hypothesis-driven research projects.
• 15% - Analysis & Review
  • Analysis and review of generated data.
  • Review of scientific literature.
• 15% - Scientific Writing
  • Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Preparation of grants proposals for submission to seek research funding.

Work Profile

Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office/lab will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. Management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD, DDS, DVM, JD, MD or equivalent is required.
• Demonstrated motivation and initiative in completing tasks and contributing to team goals
• Fluent in English with strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in cardiovascular physiology or biochemistry/molecular biology techniques.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be comfortable working in environments that may include close contact with animals, animal byproducts, and related materials.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, outdoor environments, and potential odors or airborne particles related to animal care.

About the Department

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research institution within the University of Minnesota s Research and Innovation Office. Established in 1942, our mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture, specifically by understanding, treating, and controlling cancer and other chronic diseases. The Hormel Institute serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the local community, the State of Minnesota, and beyond.

We are located in the uniquely diverse rural community of…