Postdoctoral Associate - Colorectal Cancer Malignant Transformation and Tumor Immunology

About the Job

Subramanian Laboratory

Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Position Summary

NIH-funded postdoctoral positions are available in the Subramanian Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Medical School to investigate the mechanisms that drive the malignant transformation of colorectal adenomas into colorectal cancer.

These positions are supported by a recently funded NIH R01. The project addresses an important unresolved question in colorectal cancer biology: what molecular and immune mechanisms allow a benign or premalignant colorectal adenoma to acquire malignant properties and progress toward invasive cancer? Our studies focus on the interaction between tumor-intrinsic signaling and the immune microenvironment during adenoma-to-carcinoma progression.

A major translational component of the program evaluates engineered extracellular vesicles as a potential strategy to restore antitumor immunity and prevent malignant progression.

The postdoctoral fellow will work within this overall program but may develop complementary areas of emphasis depending on expertise and scientific interests. One position may focus more heavily on molecular mechanisms of adenoma transformation and organoid biology, while the second may focus on extracellular vesicles, tumor immunology, and immune-mediated prevention.

Both fellows will have opportunities to work across these areas.

Major Research Areas

The postdoctoral fellows will participate in studies that:

• Investigate the microRNA regulatory network and other transformation-associated pathways.
• Determine how tumor-derived extracellular vesicles regulate T-cell function and immune surveillance during early colorectal tumorigenesis.
• Generate and manipulate human and mouse colorectal adenoma cells and organoid models.
• Use CRISPR/Cas9, inducible gene-expression systems, miRNA inhibitors, and other genetic approaches to establish mechanistic causality.
• Perform 2D and 3D cell-culture, spheroid, organoid, and tumor-immune co-culture experiments.
• Perform T-cell functional studies, multiparameter flow cytometry, and immune-phenotyping experiments.
• Use orthotopic colorectal tumor models, genetically engineered mouse models, and inflammation-associated adenoma models to study malignant progression in vivo.
• Apply molecular and genomic approaches, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, gene-expression analysis, RNA sequencing, and pathway analysis.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will design and conduct independent experiments within the scope of the NIH-funded project; maintain accurate experimental records and analyze data rigorously; work collaboratively with investigators in cancer biology, pathology, immunology, bioinformatics, and related disciplines; present findings at laboratory meetings and national or international scientific conferences; prepare manuscripts for publication; contribute to development of new research directions and fellowship or grant applications; and participate in mentoring students and research staff as appropriate.

Postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged to develop a scientifically distinct project within the broader R01 program that can form the basis of independent publications and future career-development applications.

Appointment

These are full-time postdoctoral positions supported by an NIH R01. Initial appointments will typically be for one year with renewal based on satisfactory progress and continued availability of funding.

Salary and benefits will follow University of Minnesota policies and applicable postdoctoral compensation guidelines.

The positions are based at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit to subree@umn.edu and formally apply to the Job posting.

1. A curriculum vitae.

2. A brief cover letter describing prior research experience, current scientific interests, relevant technical expertise, and reasons for interest in this position.

3. Names and contact information for three professional references.

4. Optional: PDFs or citations for up to three representative publications.

In the cover letter, applicants should briefly indicate whether their interests are strongest in molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation, tumor immunology/extracellular-vesicle biology, or a combination of these areas.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD, MD/PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• Strong training in experimental biomedical research and a demonstrated ability to conduct hypothesis-driven studies.
• Hands-on experience in at least one area relevant to the project, such as cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, tumor immunology, genetics, or related experimental disciplines.
• Experience with animal work, mammalian cell culture and standard molecular or cellular biology techniques.
• Ability to analyze experimental data critically, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain rigorous and reproducible research practices.
• Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Prior experience with every technique used in the project is not required. Candidates with a strong experimental foundation and evidence of scientific independence will be considered even if they are entering colorectal cancer biology, extracellular-vesicle biology, or tumor immunology from another field.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, or premalignant tumor biology.
• Primary cell, spheroid, or organoid culture.
• CRISPR/Cas9 or other genetic manipulation approaches.
• microRNA or other non-coding RNA biology.
• Extracellular vesicle/exosome isolation, characterization, or functional studies.
• Tumor immunology and T-cell biology.
• Multiparameter flow cytometry and immune phenotyping.
• Mouse models of cancer, including orthotopic or genetically engineered models.
• Small-animal surgery, colonoscopy/endoscopy, or in vivo imaging.
• Tumor-immune cell co-culture systems.
• qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, or related molecular methods.
• RNA-seq, transcriptomic analysis, or basic bioinformatics.

About the Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,480-$71,748 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

How To Apply

Application Materials

Applicants should submit to subree@umn.edu and formally apply to the Job posting.

1. A curriculum vitae.

2. A brief cover letter describing prior research experience, current scientific interests, relevant technical expertise, and reasons for interest in this position.

3. Names and contact information for three professional references.

4. Optional: PDFs or citations for up to three representative publications.

In the cover letter, applicants should briefly indicate whether their interests are strongest in molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation, tumor immunology/extracellular-vesicle biology, or a combination of these areas.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.