Post-Doctoral Associate

The duty of this position is to conduct experiments on gene therapy for reprogramming astrocytes to become neurons to repair the brain and spinal cord. This individual will conduct surgeries to induce traumatic brain injury in mice, and spinal cord injury in rats and inject viral gene constructs into the brain and spinal cord. Behavioral assessments will be conducted to assess the efficacy of the gene therapy for cell reprogramming, along with the histological assessment of the brain and spinal cord. 50% of the time will be spent on gene therapy of the brain, and 50% spent on gene therapy of the spinal cord.

This position is scheduled to end August 31, 2025.

Responsibilities:

100%- Gene Therapy:
-Conduct surgeries to induce traumatic brain injury in mice, and spinal cord injury in rats and inject viral gene constructs into the brain and spinal cord
-Conduct behavioral assessments to assess the efficacy of the gene therapy for cell reprogramming, along with the histological assessment of the brain and spinal cord.
-Gene therapy efforts will be split 50/50 between the brain and spinal cord.

Required Qualifications:
-Ph.D. in gene therapy.

Preferred Qualifications:
-Expertise in ultrasound imaging of the brain.

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

Pay Range: $61,008- $74,008, depending on education/qualifications/experience, per NIH guidelines.

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.

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).