Post-Doctoral Associate: Microbiology and Immunology

45% Experimentation/Bioinformatics analysis
Will lead projects related to next generation sequencing of fungal pathogens. Will
execute computational genomics related to the identification of whole genome
sequence variants and transcriptional variation. Will collaborate with the current staff at
the super computing institute to transfer and collect data and execute bioinformatics
pipelines.

40% Drafting and writing scientific manuscripts
Will serve as primary author of manuscripts communicating experimental and
bioinformatics results

5% Training/supervision of graduate students, technicians, and undergraduates
Teach technical staff newly developed bioinformatics methodologies and supervise data
acquisition

5% Assist in planning and drafting extramural research proposals
Will work with direct supervisor to plan and draft portions of research grants relevant to
newly developed methodologies

5% Participation in seminars, journal clubs and symposia
Will present at least 1 formal seminar per year (locally or at relevant national meeting)
and regularly attend relevant local seminars and journal clubs.

Summary of the position:

The Selmecki research group studies genome plasticity and drug resistance in fungal
pathogens (Candida species). We use evolutionary approaches to understand the rate
and dynamics in which mutations arise in fungal populations, in the presence and
absence of antifungal drugs. We use comprehensive genomic techniques, including
Illumina and MinION whole genome sequencing, qPCR, ddPCR, and CRISPr-Cas9
engineering to identify novel mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance. Importantly, we
have identified genome rearrangements that cause drug resistance, including novel
chromosome structures and copy number variation.

Duties as Postdoctoral Associate will principally include the analysis of whole genome
sequencing (long read and short read) and whole transcriptome datasets, the design,
implementation, and interpretation of experiments aimed at investigating genome
plasticity in fungal pathogens.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be responsible for writing all manuscripts and
communicating experimental results. The Postdoctoral Associate will also assist in the
technical training and supervision of technicians, undergraduate, and graduate
students, and in planning/drafting relevant portions of extramural grants to continue
support of the project.

Required Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Computational Biology, or
Bioinformatics with at least two peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications:
- 3 to 4 years of experience with computational genomics
- experience in multiple coding languages (R, python, SQL, etc)
- ability to build, manipulate, and query large datasets
- proven record of project leadership and strong writing skills

About the Lab:

Understanding the dynamics of how growth-promoting mutations arise and accumulate in a population of cells is a fundamental problem underlying our understanding of drug resistance, tumorigenesis, and the treatment of cancer. We use experimental evolution, mathematical modeling, and comparative genomics to understand the impact of mutations on the adaptation of a cell and its surrounding population.

For more information, please visit: Research (selmeckilab.com)

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a community of scholars committed to discovering and disseminating knowledge about the microbial world. Our faculty's interests and expertise encompass some of the most exciting areas of contemporary microbiology and immunology, ranging from the physiology and development of microorganisms, the molecular pathogenesis of infections, and fundamental aspects of immunity.

For more information, please visit: Department of Microbiology and Immunology | Medical School - University of Minnesota (umn.edu)

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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. Example language: This position requires that you attach LIST ATTACHMENT TYPES SUCH AS: a sample of scholarly work, a diversity statement, and a list of references.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (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.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Student loan forgiveness opportunity
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits:
https://humanresources.umn.edu/sites/humanresources.umn.edu/files/2020_tcd-fpa-75100-ben-0105-10_cs_final.pdf