Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

The Largaespada Laboratory at the University of Minnesota seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to develop next-generation non-viral genome engineering approaches for cancer immunotherapy. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team focused on functional genomics, synthetic biology, and engineered immune cell therapies for cancer. Projects will leverage Sleeping Beauty transposon technology, CRISPR genome engineering, pooled genetic screening, and advanced cellular immunotherapy platforms to identify genetic regulators of T-cell and NK-cell function and to develop improved cell therapies for solid tumors, including glioblastoma and other refractory malignancies.

Research efforts will build directly upon recent discoveries identifying genetic determinants of immune-cell persistence, resistance to exhaustion, tumor homing, and anti-tumor activity. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with investigators at the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, City of Hope, and industry partners focused on translation of engineered cell therapies into clinical applications.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by the supervisor. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures

Job responsibilities:

Design and execute independent research projects in cancer immunotherapy and genome engineering (50%)

* Develop and implement Sleeping Beauty transposon and CRISPR-based genetic screening approaches.

* Engineer T cells, NK cells, and other immune cell populations to enhance anti-tumor activity.

* Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo functional studies.

* Analyze mechanisms regulating immune-cell persistence, exhaustion resistance, and tumor trafficking.

Molecular, cellular, and genomic analyses (20%)

* Perform next-generation sequencing experiments and bioinformatic analyses.

* Conduct flow cytometry, cell sorting, molecular cloning, and genome-editing experiments.

* Analyze transcriptomic, genomic, and proteomic datasets.

* Develop novel screening platforms for discovery of therapeutic targets.

Scientific communication and dissemination (15%)

* Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

* Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.

* Assist in preparation of fellowship and grant applications.

* Contribute to collaborative publications and presentations.

Training and mentoring (10%)

* Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory staff.

* Assist in training laboratory personnel in advanced experimental techniques.

* Participate in laboratory meetings and collaborative research activities.

Laboratory and project management (5%)

* Maintain research records and data management systems.

* Assist with regulatory compliance and laboratory operations.

* Participate in collaborative planning and project development.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.

* Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques.

* Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.

* Strong written and oral communication skills.

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred

* Experience with CRISPR genome editing.

* Experience with transposon biology or functional genomics.

* Experience with T-cell or NK-cell engineering.

* Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting.

* Experience with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.

* Experience with mouse tumor models or cancer immunology.

* Demonstrated interest in translational cancer research and cell therapy development.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,000 - $70,000; 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

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