Post-Doctoral Associate

Organ fibrosis results in a loss of normal tissue architecture and function and is accompanied by a combination of disrupted cell-cell interactions, adoption of abnormal cell fates and a scarred fibrotic matrix. The research of Qi Tan, Ph.D., focuses on lung fibrosis and lung regeneration. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other forms of pulmonary fibrosis are on the rise as the world population ages and are a major and growing medical burden. While two FDA-approved therapeutics moderately slow disease progression, they do not fundamentally alter the course of these diseases. Epithelial dysfunction has emerged as a central component of the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases including IPF. Understanding how those cells lose their identity and remain locked in aberrant states is central to the development of more effective therapies for IPF and is the central motivation for this project.

Dr. Tan's lab is leveraging novel mouse models, lung organoids and next-generation sequencing as tools to understand the plasticity of epithelial cells and cell-cell interaction in lung fibrosis. His long-terms goals are to redirect the fate of diseased cells during fibrosis using epigenetic reprogramming and small-molecule therapeutics, leading to the development of novel regenerative therapies. The lab is well-funded with Hormel institute, NIH/ NHLBI and other foundation grants, and the work is to be conducted within a multidisciplinary laboratory featuring state-of-the-art resources including scRNA-seq platform, confocal microscopy, novel cellular, tissue and animal models, as well as access to outstanding core facilities. Lab website: https://hi.umn.edu/research/faculty/qi-tan-phd

Focus of Job Responsibilities

The candidate will work with the PI contributing one or multiple ongoing projects, including experimental design, execution, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings. While expected to work independently, the individual will also engage in frequent collaboration with other lab members, as well as with scientists both within the institution and at external organizations. As a key member of the research team, the candidate will uphold a safe, professional work environment and actively participate in regular group meetings to foster collaboration and innovation.

Design and Implementation of Hypothesis-Driven Research Projects - 70%

- Lead and conduct scientific research with a high degree of independence and self-motivation.
- Design and perform advanced biochemical, cellular, and molecular biology experiments focused on fibrosis research.
- Perform mouse surgeries to establish lung fibrosis models.
- Isolate and culture primary lung-derived epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations, including FACS-based sorting and organoid culture.
- Apply advanced imaging techniques, such as fluorescence and confocal microscopy, for detailed cellular and tissue analysis.
- Develop and implement cutting-edge next-generation sequencing pipelines, including but not limited to scRNA-seq.
- Establish and uphold rigorous experimental standards and procedures to ensure data integrity.

Data Analysis, Review, and Scientific Writing - 20%

- Rigorously collect and organize experimental data.
- Utilize quantitative software tools to analyze and process data as needed.
- Contribute to the preparation of research reports and assist the PI in interpreting results.

Lab Administration, Scientific Communication, Training, and Career Development - 10%

- Support the PI with laboratory tasks such as receiving, ordering, and inventory management.
- Assist the PI in supervising and training new lab personnel, including undergraduate and PACE students.
- Engage in professional development opportunities, including attending institutional and national conferences.

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a "work 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 eligible for 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, MD or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

- Candidates demonstrated the potential for research as evidenced by their training and peer-reviewed publications.
- Candidates with experience in organoid culture or/and small animal surgery model are a plus.
- Candidates interested in lung biology and epigenetic regulation are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 Austin, MN, conveniently only 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusive excellence, supportive employee practices, and encourages diversity of thought that drives innovation and creativity in our science.

Pay Range: $61,008 - $74,000 annually; 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.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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