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University of Minnesota

Post-Doctoral Associate in Retina Research

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400

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About the Job Compensation Range: $62,232 - 75,564 annually; follows NIH stipend level by experience

Work Arrangement: The position is expected to work primarily on-site. Your work location will be on the 3rd floor, Wallin Biomedical Biosciences. The Department retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Retinal Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related biomedical field

Experience with retinal immunopathology, photoreceptor biology, or RPE-related degenerative disease models

Demonstrated expertise in retinal structure and function, including experience with gene expression analysis

Hands‑on experience with mouse models of inflammation, neurodegeneration, or retinal degeneration

Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations

Demonstrated productivity through first‑author publications

Preferred Qualifications

Skilled in molecular biology techniques including qPCR, cloning, western blotting, and CRISPR or shRNA‑based gene knockdown

Experience with RNA‑seq or other transcriptomic analyses

Experience in confocal imaging

Experience in flow cytometry

Job Description This position seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate how cell death sensors regulate immune responses, with an emerging interest in the retina. Building on our prior work (PMID: 35969037, PMID: 36662852) we aim to explore how recognition of photoreceptors outer segments or dying cells maintains homeostasis, results in inflammation and degeneration or induces repair in the retina. The project will integrate mouse models of genetically modified cell death sensors, retinal degeneration and inflammation.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct in vivo experiments using murine models to study immune regulation and retinal degeneration

Conduct transcriptomic and pathway analyses (e.g., snRNAs‑seq, RNA‑seq) to uncover regulatory networks

Use molecular and cellular tools (e.g., gene knockdown, qPCR) to dissect cell death sensing pathways

Perform retinal functional assessments (e.g., ERG) and gene expression analysis in RPE and photoreceptors

Perform high‑dimensional flow cytometry for immune profiling

Present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences; contribute to collaborative research discussions

Contribute to manuscript writing and data presentations for publication and conferences

Mentor junior trainees and contribute to the lab's collaborative and knowledge‑sharing culture

Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $62,232 - 75,564 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 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 the U of M 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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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