Research Professional 5-Biomed Research- Department of Neuroscience

Overview
This role manages multiple projects to examine the role of DNA damage response and senescence in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.  These include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Fronto-termporal dementia with Parkinsonism (FTDP), and Neuronal alpha-synuclein diseases [NSD; Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)].  The individual will manage specific research projects, playing a key part in designing research processes.  Additionally, individual will supervise a Junior Scientist (Researcher 1 and/or 2) and undergraduate research assistants.  This position requires strong problem-solving skills, resourcefulness to address research challenges, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
Job Responsibilities:
60% Biomedical Research.
Perform experiments independently to define how neurodegenerative pathology (alpha-synucleinopathy, tauopathy, amyloid) leads to DNA damage responses and increased senescence.  Define cell populations that develop senescence at different stage of neuropathology in mouse models of AD, tauopathy, and alpha-syncleinopathy.  Determine if reducing senescence cell burden provide neuroprotection from neurodegeneration.  Define pathways activated by DNA damage response.
Perform single nuclear RNAseq analysis to define novel pathways.  Work with bioinfomatic consultant to interpret RNAseq data.  Perform spatial transcriptomic analysis, including RNAscope, GeoMx, and CosMx.
Perform confocal imaging of immunostained sections and perform quantitative analysis using HALO or Image J software.
Perform and supervise mouse studies, including generation of mouse cohorts, therapeutic compound treatment, behavioral studies, and euthanasia.
15% Supervision and coordination of junior staff.  Responsible for delegation and supervision of work by Researcher 1 and/or 2 and undergraduate assistants.  Serve as an expert resource to lab members, outside collaborators, and the scientific community working on PD.
15% Literature review and manuscript preparation.
10% Lab meeting presentation and preparation of progress report.

Required Qualifications:
• PhD in Neuroscience or neurodegenerative diseases and 1 or more years of postdoctoral work. 
• Outstanding publication record (several publications with at least 2 first author papers in neuroscience).
Preferred Qualifications: 
• Experience working with rodent models, including drug treatment, animal behavior, microscopy, RNA sequencing and histology.  
• Familiarity with age-related neurodegenerative disease and approaches for studying senescence.
• Strong critical thinking skills.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School . The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center .

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

Pay Range: $70,000 to $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment 

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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).