Dr Fang Li in the Department of Pharmacology is looking for a Researcher 3 to join his growing team.
Professor Li is a leading researcher in the coronavirus entry field, having determined many structures of coronavirus spike proteins and discovered the molecular events that lead to coronavirus entry into host cells. His research has been one of the major driving forces behind what we now know about receptor recognition and cell entry of coronaviruses. Moreover, he has developed structure-based strategies for vaccine design and drug development. His research provides foundational knowledge for the field of coronaviruses.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Professor Li's research has elucidated how the pandemic virus infects cells while evading immunity. He has also been deciphering the evolution of COVID-19 variants. His research has laid foundations for vaccine and therapeutic developments.
Currently, Professor Li and his team are working on the development of innovative therapeutics to combat COVID-19, as well as improving the drug discovery process. In the long term, he aims to apply the scientific discoveries he has made in the field of coronaviruses to the treatment of other viral infections and human diseases.
Job Responsibilities: Provide hands-on support to NIH-funded projects spanning an array of experimental domains.
Primary duties will include: 45% Support for research projects
Intracranial viral genetic and pharmacologic manipulations in mice; validation of proper intracranial targeting using microscopy techniques
Establishing primary neuronal cultures
Gene expression and related studies
Periodic husbandry and maintenance of a large mouse colony
45% Support for the Viral Vector and Cloning Core (VVCC)
Generation and validation of AAV and lentiviral vectors
Characterization of viral titer and purity
10% General lab responsibilities:
Maintaining a safe and organized workplace
Ordering supplies and reagents
Maintaining a safe and organized workplace
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials
Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree in one of the biology- or health-related fields (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or food technology) and two (2) years of experience in the following areas: molecular cloning and protein purification; or a combination of related education and experience to equal six (6) years.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates need to have a master degree in one of the biology- or health-related fields (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or food technology) with experience in the following areas: molecular cloning and protein purification.
The qualified candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to work independently and to think critically about their research; excellent organizational skills, enthusiasm, creativity and motivation to learn.
Peer reviewed publications (particularly first-authored publications) are preferred.
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.
