Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

The French lab at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is looking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the physical sciences and experience with the biophysical characterization of proteins and protein complexes. Experience with structural biology (cryo-EM or crystallography), chromatography, mass spec-based targeted metabolomics, assay development, lipid biochemistry or immunology would be considered assets.

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 electron microscopy suite (Titan Krios 5, Titan Krios G2, Arctis Cryo-Plasma FIB/SEM) for cryo-EM and cryo-ET studies, a triple-quad LC/MS-MS for compound ID and targeted metabolomics, full medicinal chemistry capabilities for the synthesis and evaluation of small molecules, and a suite of advanced technologies for the biophysical characterization of samples including instruments for surface plasmon resonance, grating-coupled interferometry, photometry and multi-angle light scattering, among others.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

• Propose, plan, and conduct laboratory-based experiments - 60%
• Process and analyze data - 20%
• Science communications - 5%
• Laboratory oversight and administration - 5%
• Training and development - 5%
• Other duties as assigned - 5%

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., DDS, DVM, JD, MD or equivalent.
• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related field.
• Competency in standard biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins.
• Strong work ethic and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization skills as well as competency in written and verbal communication in English.
• The candidate must be able to effectively manage research projects with little oversight from the PI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background and training in biochemistry, chemistry and biophysics.
• Experience should include some or all of the following: experience with the characterization of proteins using cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography or related approaches; extensive use of chromatography, spectroscopy, and related biophysical approaches; experience with mass spectrometry-based characterization of small molecules/metabolites; experience with cell biology or immunology research; training/experience in assay development and/or pharmacology.
• Experience using multiple protein expression platforms, including mammalian, bacterial, insect, and yeast, is strongly preferred.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, keen to learn, and able to thrive in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary research environment.