Post-Doctoral Associate

Title: Postdoctoral Associate
Job code: 9546
Employee Group:
Full/Part Time: Full time - 1.0 FTE
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About the Job:
The laboratory led by Dr. Yi-Mei (Amy) Yang studies synaptic physiology within neural networks. By understanding the functions of synaptic proteins and ion channels at the cellular, circuitry and system levels, her laboratory aims to identify novel targets and further develop therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. The candidate will have the opportunity to apply a multidisciplinary approach that integrates mouse genetics, viral gene transfer, electrophysiology and live imaging to address key questions in two research areas: stress neurobiology and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. In addition, the candidate will contribute to grant writing and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory. Dr. Yang is committed to supporting the career development of trainees as her previous students and postdoctoral fellows have successfully advanced to the next stages of their research careers.

This position is available starting in July 2026, and renewable on a yearly basis. The contract may be extended based on research performance and funding availability. Salary is at the NIH stipend level, depending on the candidate's qualification and experience.

Location and Work environment:
This position is based on the University of Minnesota (UMN) Medical School Duluth campus and requires in-person presence. In accordance with the UMN policy, remote work may be permitted when appropriate and approved by the supervisor. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety guidelines.

Work Schedule:
This position is full time.

Primary Responsibilities:

70% Research
* The candidate will develop and implement experimental strategies to investigate neural mechanisms using genetic/molecular, cellular, and behavioral tools. Responsibilities include conducting molecular and cellular experiments such as quantitative PCR, Western blotting, ChIP- and RNA-seq, and immunohistochemistry to analyze and dissect gene regulatory networks.
* The candidate will generate and maintain genetically modified mouse lines (breeding, genotyping, colony management) that will be used for cell-specific genomics experiments and for manipulation of specific neuronal subtypes.
* The candidate will design, conduct, and analyze a variety of behavioral assays (e.g., novel object recognition, elevated plus maze, open field, social interaction, rotarod) to assess cognitive, affective, and motor functions.
* The candidate will contribute to the development of research directions according to the main project aims and the ongoing experiments.
* The candidate is expected to maintain accurate and detailed experimental records to ensure reproducibility and data integrity, adhere to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines (including IACUC documentation), and work collaboratively with other scientists, lab personnel, and core facilities.
* The candidate will mentor new laboratory trainees on experimental techniques and project design.

20% Data Analysis
* The candidate will use multiple statistical tools and software (e.g., R, Python, GraphPad Prism) to analyze and integrate datasets.
* The candidate will manage data storage and data transfer to public repositories upon publishing.

10% Presentations and Manuscript Preparation
* The candidate will prepare figures based on the results and contribute to the writing and publication of peer-reviewed journal articles.
* The candidate is expected to stay up to date on literature related to the research projects and present findings at internal and external meetings, conferences, and seminars.

Required Qualifications:
* PhD in Biological Sciences such as Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or other relevant fields.
* An excellent track record of publications and conference presentations.
* Demonstrated ability to learn and collaborate with others in diverse and fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Solid understanding of synaptic physiology and developmental neurobiology.
* Experience in molecular biology and imaging techniques including qPCR, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, confocal microscopy.
* Experience in viral gene transfer, sterotaxic surgery, and mouse behavior analysis.
* Experience in quantitative analysis using software such as Image J, Adobe Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft office Suite.
* Excellent scientific writing and communicating skills.
* Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

The department of Biomedical Sciences (https://med.umn.edu/biomedical) at the University of Minnesota supports the broad mission of the Duluth campus and the medical school with a focus on neuroscience and rural medicine. Our goal is to advance learning and knowledge through scholarship, education and community engagement. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and diversity.

The University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth campus, founded in 1972, is dedicated to educating physicians to serve rural Minnesota and Native American communities. The mission is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in these areas, with a focus on family medicine and American Indian/Alaska Native health.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses: Twin-Cities, Duluth and St. Cloud. The mission is to be a leader in enhancing the health of people through the education of skilled, compassionate and socially responsible physicians. With three campuses serving diverse populations in rural and urban Minnesota, the Medial School is dedicated to preeminent primary care medicine, exemplary specialty care and innovative research.

Pay Range: $63,480 minimum per NIH; 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

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 or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).