Job Description

A research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Niedernhofer. Her research program is focused on discovering fundamental mechanisms of aging. Her laboratory employs a combination of genetic and pharmacologic approaches to test hypotheses about the causes of aging using murine models and primary cell populations derived from them. The laboratory had developed a novel mouse model where the immune system can be aged specifically.  The candidate will analyze the effect of immune aging on systemic aging as well as developing approaches to improve immune function with age. The candidate will join an exciting research environment in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and the Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism at University of Minnesota. The position offers exceptional training in aging, immunology, age-related diseases, cellular senescence, drug development, DNA damage and repair and molecular therapeutics. 

Summary of Position:
The focus of the research for the position is on the analysis of the effect of immune aging on systemic aging using genetically modified mouse models.  The Niedernhofer laboratory has demonstrated that immune aging drives systemic aging including senescence in multiple tissues, liver and kidney dysfunction, disc degeneration, and osteoporosis.  The candidate will join a large collaborative effort to identify the individual immune cell subsets that drive systemic senescence and aging. Moreover, the candidate will examine the molecular mechanisms important for the aging immune system to drive systemic aging. 

Essential and Other Functions:
80% Laboratory Research
Cell culture, microscopy, immunoblotting, qPCR, cloning, analysis of immune function, FACS, experimental design, data analysis and recording primary data and methods used.

10% Research communication
Critical analysis of the literature, preparing manuscripts, oral presentations and posters.

10% Mentoring
Training graduate, undergraduate and technical staff in theoretical and/or bench science

Position Restriction: 
This position is 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.

Required Qualifications:
PhD in Molecular biology or a related area with experience with mouse genetics and cell culture.

Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in aging research. 
He/she will also have experience dissecting signaling pathways of cell growth, differentiation, senescence and/or death.  Skilled in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, confocal imaging, bioinformatics, and immunology. Good verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work independently, and an interest in mentoring young scientists. 

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.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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