– Division of Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research (DOPMR) – – Department of Surgery – – University of Minnesota Medical School –
JOB SUMMARY
The laboratory of Dr. Nichole Klatt performs innovative translational research on the mechanisms by which the microbiome impacts human health and investigates potential interventions to improve health through the microbiome by leveraging basic research and clinical medicine. The Researcher 3 will focus on projects which investigate how the microbiome impacts health outcomes, including COVID-19, HIV, transplant, surgical outcomes, women’s health and others. The candidate must work both independently and under the direction of a senior member of the lab as needed. The candidate will be responsible for collection, preparation, and testing of human and animal specimens as well as analysis of experimental data, producing figures, and writing SOPs for experiments. Optimizing experiments and developing new protocols will be required. The Researcher 3 will use various types of machinery, lab equipment and complex computer programs to generate and present data. The candidate will rigorously document all research notes in physical and electronic lab notebooks. 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.
JOB DUTIES
1. Technical Project Research 65% - Independently carry out experiments such as sample processing, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, bacterial culturing, ELISAs, and LC-MS sample preparation/analysis. - Interpret experimental results and summarize data in reports, lab meeting, grants and publications as needed - Perform quality control and calibrate/maintain equipment if necessary - Submit samples to core facilities, work with cores on quotes, data management and analysis - Coordinate data analysis and interpretation - Coordinate with collaborators and lab members on obtaining, processing and storing samples, including international sample shipping and receiving - Practice safe work habits, including complying with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulation - Receive, ship, collect, and organize samples - Daily experiment support - Maintain equipment in proper working order and maintain a clean work area - Keep appropriate experimental records and data repositories in accordance with the IRB guidelines - Work collaboratively as well as independently to reach lab goals in time.
2. Participates in laboratory daily activities 25% - Supervision and training of junior and new lab members - Operates and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments. - Contacts companies for quotes and new resources as needed - Collaborates with other lab members and collaborators to achieve lab and project/grant goals - Receive, ship, collect, and inventory samples - Collects and processes laboratory data in order to assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in the preparation of presentations, grants and manuscripts. - Potentially travel for project presentation at conferences or group meetings
3. Commits to personal and laboratory success 10% - Conduct background literature search on relevant topics including current methods, reagents, new techniques etc. - Administration support and scheduling as needed by the lab - Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work. - Assist with development of protocol for process improvement projects. - Participate in lab meetings and events
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials
Required Qualifications:
B.Sc. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Pharmacology and two (2) years of laboratory experiences such as microbiology or immunology; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to equal six (6) years.
Must demonstrate the ability to collect, process and organize data belonging to different projects. Excellent communication skills and ability to be an effective team member are expected.
Experience with data analysis and making figures, supporting grants, publications, and presentations
Preferred Qualifications:
Priority will be given to those candidates who have experience with biological sample handling/processing, bacterial culturing, anaerobic bacterial experience, mammalian cell cultures, DNA/RNA extractions, mass spectrometry, ELISAs/Luminex/multiplex,
Next-Generation Sequencing, or willingness to learn these techniques that will used in the daily workflow.
Knowledge of R, QIIME, and microbiome analysis techniques considered a major asset.
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
