Post-Doctoral Associate: Khoruts Lab, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Nutrition

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiota Transplantation

Position Description: We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral research associate to
join our Microbiota Therapeutics Program, a multidisciplinary team that is focused on
development of fecal microbiota-based drugs. The Program has multiple products in the
pipeline, some of which are already being tested in FDA-approved clinical trials. The various
clinical indications include inflammatory bowel diseases, optimization of checkpoint cancer
immunotherapy, complications of liver disease, autism, C. difficile infections, and others. This
provides a unique model for real-world drug development and creates a very direct linkage of
science to the bedside.

The research projects include (1) characterization of different product preparations using
anaerobic culture techniques; (2) tracking donor microbiota in patients to determine key
microbial players and their degree of host association; (3) mechanistic investigations for how
these products work and directly impact different diseases.
The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented critical thinker able to organize several projects
occurring simultaneously and facilitate completion of studies in an ethical, rigorous, and timely
manner. Independent work is expected, but the researcher will also work closely with and
receive guidance and support from faculty mentors.
The position is in the laboratories of Dr. Alexander Khoruts, MD and Dr. Michael Sadowsky,
PhD. in the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Funding is available for up
to two years, contingent on satisfactory performance. The proposed start date is the summer of 2025 but may be negotiable.

Key Responsibilities:
* Conduct fundamental research in molecular microbial ecology, microbial transplantation
technology, including in human-microbe interactions
* Employ state-of-the-art genomic, metagenomic, and computational tools to examine
microbe-host interactions
* Collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data
* Communicate results to scientific audiences through peer-reviewed publications and
poster/oral presentations at scientific conferences
* Contribute to the training and mentoring of graduate students
* Exploit opportunities for professional skill development and career enhancement

Application: Interested candidates should submit i) a cover letter describing the candidate's
interest in and qualifications for the position, ii) current curriculum vitae, and ii) the names and
contact information of at least three professional references.

Requirements
Required Minimum Qualifications:
* PhD in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis
on microbiology
* Hands-on experience with anaerobic microbiology culturing techniques

* Authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications
* Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, e.g., PCR
* Experience with computational tools for microbiome analysis, including R, python,
mothur, QIIME, MaAsLin, etc.
* Ability to design and conduct experiments and analyze, interpret, and synthesize results
as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publication
* Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills to effectively
collaborate in a research team and convey technical information

Pay Range: $61,000-$75,000 annually; 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.

Interested candidates should submit i) a cover letter describing the candidate's
interest in and qualifications for the position, ii) current curriculum vitae, and ii) the names and
contact information of at least three professional 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) 624-8647.

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.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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