Post-Doctoral Associate - Military Veterans

Position Summary

The Babicheva lab at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and talented scientist to join an enthusiastic and collaborative team of outstanding scientists. The successful applicant will hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution, in the area of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology or biomedicine and have a strong track record of, and potential for, success. The applicant should have a keen research interest in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell signaling, calcium channels, gene expression regulation, or microRNA in cardiovascular research. He/she should be self-motivated in the assigned research projects, should be willing to receive training that enhances the individual's professional development and future formation of his/her own career as well as should be willing to seek for research funding. He/she should have experience of working in a research team environment and have experience of writing research reports, publications or other relevant outputs. Qualified individuals with experience in cellular and molecular biology or animal physiology in the field of pulmonary hypertension and/or heart failure are preferred. The Hormel Institute houses an equipment core including confocal and fluorescent microscopes, real time PCR, spectrophotometers, tissue processor and microtome, cryostat, and high speed and ultracentrifuges. The core facilities are further supported by dedicated facility managers responsible for training, support, and usage of equipment.

Responsibilities

Conduct physiological experiments in mice and rats including assessment of hemodynamic parameters, cardiac function, isometric vessel tension in mouse and rat pulmonary arteries using wire myograph, isolated perfused lung function and lung morphology.
Conduct cellular and molecular biological experiments including Western Blot, immunofluorescence, PCR, qPCR, cell-based assays, fluorescence calcium imaging, isolation of vascular endothelial/smooth muscle cells from rodent and human lungs.
Perform data acquisition and analysis, grant and manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at weekly lab meetings.
Maintain transgenic mouse colonies (i.e., breeding and genotyping), managing lab research records (e.g., methodological approaches, experimental records, and protocols), and maintaining a clean lab and the function of lab equipment.
Maintain a safe, clean and functional laboratory.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

70% - Ongoing Research

Design and implementation of hypothesis-driven research projects.

15% - Analysis & Review

Analysis and review of generated data.
Review of scientific literature.

15% - Scientific writing

Work Profile
Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota.

About the Lab
The position is in the laboratory of Dr. Aleksandra Babicheva with overall interest in pulmonary vascular pathophysiology and right heart dysfunction, with particular emphasis on: a) pathogenic and therapeutic mechanisms of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, as well as pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, sickle cell disease and scleroderma; b) cellular and molecular mechanisms of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary vascular remodeling; c) regulation of Ca2+ signaling in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells isolated from humans and animals with pulmonary hypertension; d) role of microRNAs in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension. A multidisciplinary approach combining physiological, genetic, biochemical and molecular biological techniques is used to study the molecular mechanisms of vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension and to find new targets to develop novel therapeutically effective treatments for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, DVM, MD or equivalent)

• Highly motivated

• Excellent communication skills and be fluent in both spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with experience in cardiovascular physiology or biochemistry/molecular biology techniques are strongly encouraged to apply