Post-Doctoral Associate, Tissue Resident Memory T Cells

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate in the lab of Massimo Costalonga, DMD, PhD.

In this position, the postdoc will be responsible for analyzing, organizing, and presenting data, drafting manuscripts, and making presentations. Finalization of all data, manuscripts and presentations will be done collaboratively with lab members and with approval of the PI.

The project in which this postdoc will participate involves characterization of how calprotectin regulates the activity of CD69⁺ tissue residents T cells in a murine model of periodontitis. The functional interaction of calprotectin with CD69 on T cells will be characterized as regulating the extent of inflammation in the initial and chronic phases of murine experimental periodontitis.

CD69⁺ resident-memory T cell regulation: The CD69 receptor on tissue-resident antigen-experienced T cells binds several membrane-bound and soluble ligands. For example, CD69 engagement on T regulatory cells was reported to induce immunosuppressive activities. A putative natural ligand for CD69-mediated activation of Tregs is calprotectin. When released from infected or desquamating keratinocytes or neutrophils, calprotectin may interact with CD69⁺ T regulatory or T helper 17 cells, ultimately suppressing the immune response.

Please note: This position is initially limited to two years based on available R01 funds from NIH. Continued appointment is also contingent upon satisfactory performance. Extension for additional years will depend on productivity and on continued funding by the non-competing yearly renewal of the R01 award. Application for an NIH F-award within 6 months of appointment is strongly encouraged.

Required Qualifications ** Please detail all required qualifications on your application materials. **

• Ph.D., DDS, DVM, MD or equivalent doctoral is required
• Experience with murine models of infection, culture of bacteria, flow cytometry, microdissection, immunoassays
• Experience with scientific writing as evidenced by published manuscripts
• Ability to work independent and in a team
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent record keeping skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in relevant field including 1 to 5 years of research experience preferred
• Collaboration within and outside of the laboratory is strongly encouraged
• Previous experience in mucosal immunology studies is an asset but not required
• Research experience in Langerhans cell and tissue-resident T cell biology, T cell activation, and protein-protein interactions

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. We are a regional resource to five states for dental education, consulting services, patient treatment, and ongoing continuing dental education.

The School of Dentistry educates general dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators and research-scientists. For more than two decades, we've offered specialty training in six ADA-recognized disciplines: Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.

We also offer an advanced education program in TMD and orofacial pain, oral biology, dental hygiene, and oral health for older adults.

Dentists who are graduates of dental schools outside of the United States and Canada wishing to practice in the United States train here, as well. A novel, interdisciplinary Dentist-Scientist Training Program rounds out our educational offerings.

Our work affects nearly every person in Minnesota. We educate 73% of the state's practicing dentists, 68% of Minnesota's licensed dental therapists, and 49% of its dental hygiene educators. Our researchers develop and test dental materials used by every dentist in the state and around the world.

Our students and faculty treat patients: 105,260 patient-visits each year in our Twin Cities' campus clinics and 48,700 in outreach sites located in underserved communities throughout the state. We provide continuing dental education for 7,100 practicing dental professionals each year.

The School of Dentistry is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Diverse teams, perspectives, and backgrounds create a strong and creative team that best serves the University's many communities, on campus and beyond. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, women, veterans, and members of historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.

For more information, please visit our website, https://dentistry.umn.edu.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

You must submit your applications 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.

You may attach additional documents after your 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-UOHR (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.