Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

About the Job

Position Overview:

In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct research related to tissue resident T cells in viral infections, cancer, and autoimmunity. You will perform studies in mice to evaluate the role of these cells in disease and homeostasis. This position will involve development of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays to evaluate the function of tissue resident T cells in a variety of non-lymphoid tissues. The candidate will be expected to be proficient in experimental design, execution, and data analysis. Familiarity with murine surgical procedures, tissue culture, and high parameter flow cytometry are desired.

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 70%

• Conduct mouse handling, husbandry, breeding, and colony maintenance.
• Inject various compounds and solutions into experimental animals.
• Assist with and eventually independently perform surgery on experimental animals.
• Collect tissue and fluid samples (e.g., non-lymphoid tissues, blood) from experimental animals; store and analyze the tissue (e.g., flow cytometry, PCR, immunohistochemistry).
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions and test for pH level.
• Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render interpretations of the data.

Operations - 20%

• Keep the laboratory stocked, maintain inventories of supplies and order items as necessary.
• Properly handle hazardous materials and dispose of all waste materials in an appropriate manner.
• Maintain chemical inventories and read and maintain appropriate Material Data Sheets and safety files.
• Adjust, calibrate, and perform minor repairs on equipment used in the laboratory.
• Become familiar with the assigned literature, attend weekly lab meetings, participate in laboratory journal clubs, and report to the PI regularly on progress.
• Assist and eventually independently write study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) manuscripts and grant applications.

Presenting and Instruction - 10%

• Present research summary in national and international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing abstracts and slides for presentation.
• Instruct students, fellows and other inexperienced professional persons in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Doctorate Degree in immunology.
• Sufficient knowledge of the physiology of mice is necessary in order to induce anesthesia, perform surgeries, and collect tissue and/or fluid samples.
• Experience with the pet shop co-housing experimental model and the ability to work in with mice in an ABSL-3 facility.
• Sufficient knowledge of mathematics and statistics is required to analyze and interpret test results.
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to perform spectral flow cytometry, lymphocyte isolation from the murine intestinal mucosa, CRISPR editing of T cells, viral infection models.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with mouse models of vitiligo.
• Prior experience with resident memory T cells
• Experience with manuscript and grant writing.

About the Department

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $78,000 per year

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

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 nations 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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.