Research Specialist

Focusing on structural and functional studies of membrane transport proteins, the Alam lab is fully outfitted for mammalian cell culture and optimization and large-scale protein expression and purification as well as biochemical analysis. Projects will enjoy fantastic access to a state-of-the-art in-house Cryo-EM facility featuring a Titan Krios microscope equipped with a Gatan KIII-Biocontinuum Direct electron detector/energy filter combination. The Hormel Institute also houses an equipment core including fluorescent microscopes as well as analytical ultracentrifugation, ITC and BIACORE instruments, along with shared common use high speed centrifuges and a range of other high-end microscopes. The core facilities are further supported by dedicated facility managers responsible for training, support, and usage of equipment. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Responsibilities

Conduct and lead scientific research efforts in the study of how membrane transport proteins involved in shuttling lipid/sterols/fatty acids and their precursors/products are shuttled across the plasma/organellar membranes.

* Lead efforts screening for small molecule and antibody binders against target transport proteins.
* Use cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography.
* Conduct biochemical experiments.
* Analyze research methods and collect information and related studies to support the research claims.
* Write research reports and give scientific presentations.
* Maintain a safe, clean, and functional laboratory.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Ongoing research, including the design & implementation of hypothesis-driven research projects - 70%

* Cloning, mammalian cell culture, protein expression and purification.
* Protein reconstitution into membrane mimetic systems for structure-function studies.
* Design and execution of activity assays for protein characterization.
* Generation of EM/X-ray crystallography samples and collection of EM/X-ray data .

Analysis of generated data and reviewing previously reported scientific literature - 15%

* Analysis of experimental results for day-to-day experiments.
* Data processing and analysis for EM/X-ray data including map interpretation and model building.

Scientific writing, including reporting research findings in manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed biomedical journals and grant writing. Generation of figures for manuscripts and grants proposals. - 15%

* Accurate bookkeeping including experimental methodology and results.
* Drafting manuscripts/posters for peer review.
* Applying for postdoctoral fellowships.

About the Lab

The Alam lab uses a combination of biochemical and structural (Cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography) techniques to primarily study macromolecules and macromolecular complexes involved in membrane transport, homeostasis, and biogenesis, with a particular focus on pinpointing lipid/protein interactions in context of membrane protein function. Maintenance of membrane bilayer integrity and tight control over material transfer across cellular and organellar membranes is central to proper physiological functioning. Dysfunction of these systems lies at the heart of several devastating, often fatal pathologies ranging from rare inherited diseases such as Zellweger's syndrome and adrenoleukodystrophy (both stemming from peroxisomal dysfunction) to a range of neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer.

Flexible Work Location Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One.
Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office/lab will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. Management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

* Advance degree.

Preferred Qualifications

* Demonstrable experience in basic biochemistry and molecular biology techniques is required.
* Candidates with experience in structural biology, particularly interpretation of intermediate resolution.
* EM and X-ray maps and model building are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research institution within the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office. Established in 1942, our mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture, specifically by understanding, treating, and controlling cancer and other chronic diseases. The Hormel Institute serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the local community, the State of Minnesota, and beyond. We are located in the uniquely diverse rural community of Austin, MN, conveniently only 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusive excellence, supportive employee practices, and encourages diversity of thought that drives innovation and creativity in our science.

Pay Range: $62,232-$75,564 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 be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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).