The Rahrmann lab at The Hormel Institute located in Austin, MN is looking to hire a postdoctoral associate, with a background in cancer research, and strong skills in cell biology and mouse work to join a team focused on identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities to treat metastatic disease, the primary cause of solid tumor-related death, by using a multi-disciplinary approach. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cancer biology and/or developmental biology. Experience with animal modeling of human diseases, histopathology, computational biology, and a general molecular biology background would be considered assets. The selected candidate is expected to be an intellectual leader in one project area and contribute to other research in the lab.
The focus of the Rahrmann lab is to address the central hypothesis that ion channels regulate membrane potential in normal mammary glands and breast adenocarcinoma thereby affecting cell plasticity and dissemination rendering them vulnerable to effective antimetastatic therapies. The team combines ex vivo human and murine mammary gland and breast cancer organoid approaches with murine in vivo models to study the role of ion channels in metastasis to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Projects range from developing new cutting-edge in vivo models to in vitro genetic and pharmacological screens to identify regulators of NALCN expression and function. Common techniques used in the laboratory are a generation of orthotopic transplantation models of breast cancer, flow cytometry and flow-sorting, single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing, multiplexed immunohistochemistry, microscopy, drug and CRISPR strategies, characterizing genetically engineered mouse modes of breast cancer.
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 core facilities. Candidates are expected to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team, to be engaging, highly collaborative, good communicators, creative thinkers, and able to find solutions to problems. 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 to frequently collaborate with other lab members as well as scientists at other institutions. 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 - 50%
In collaboration with the PI and other lab personnel, propose, optimize, and plan experiments that will advance our labâ™s research objectives.
Plan and manage own or joint research activity.
Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
Carry out a wide range of wet lab experiments efficiently and safely.
Set and maintain highly rigorous standards and procedures.
Develop competency in the use of advanced technologies relevant to the labâ™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 - 10%
Communicate research findings and specialist knowledge/expertise 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.
Have outstanding interpersonal skills and can work well across a large team.
Effectively communicate with international external collaborators who may be working across different time zones.
Liaise effectively with individuals across all levels of seniority.
Communicate effectively both in-person and online.
Must communicate well in meetings and conference calls. Laboratory oversight and administration - 10%
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.
Develop or contribute to drafting standard operating procedures in the lab.
Manage own administrative activities, with guidance if required. 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 labâ™s research objectives.
Assist with supervision and training of new lab personnel and oversight of junior laboratory personnel.
Participate in professional development opportunities. Other duties as assigned - 5% The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a âœwork 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 Flexible Work Profile One.
Flexible Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. 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. Required Qualifications
PhD in Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology or related field.
Strong organization skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills in English Preferred Qualifications
Strong background and training in developmental biology and cancer biology.
Advanced scientific and laboratory knowledge in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, murine genetic models of cancer (breast, gastric), xenotransplantation, genetic screens (e.g. CRISPR or forward mutagenesis), cell biology, tissue culture techniques.
Expertise in data analysis (e.g. analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing) is also highly desirable.
The candidate must be able to effectively manage research projects with little oversight from the PI.
We are particularly interested in a candidate who is enthusiastic, self-motivated, keen to learn, and able to thrive in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary research environment. About University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
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