Post-Doctoral Associate

We are seeking a motivated individual for a postdoctoral research position in the laboratory of Ryan Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., in the Department of Pediatrics and Center for Immunology (CFI) at the University of Minnesota. The CFI is a multidisciplinary research center with the goal of advancing the field of immunology and educating future immunologists.

The Nelson lab is interested in understanding mechanisms of allergy and immune disorders in humans. Of particular interest are CD4+ T cells, which are central regulators of immune processes, integrating signals from antigen presenting cells, other immune cells, and local tissue stroma. In order to do this, we utilize a wide variety of research techniques including flow cytometry, microscopy, and gene expression analysis to study animal models and human immune cells. We are currently exploring the biology of tolerance versus allergy to foreign proteins in animal models and developing a deep immune phenotyping approach to better characterize healthy and deficient immune states in children.

Areas of investigation:
1. Mechanisms of allergen-specific loss of tolerance.
2. Pathogenesis of primary atopic disorders and primary immune regulatory disorders.
3. Novel diagnostic approaches to human immunodeficiencies.

The position is available as early as February 2025 and offered for an initial term of 2 years, with the possibility of additional years based on accomplishments.

Applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Nelson (rwnelson@umn.edu) for questions and for an interview. A CV, including publications and contact details of at least three references will be requested upfront.

The candidate should have a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD with previous research laboratory experience in the field of Immunology or closely related areas. The individual must have effective communication, team working, problem solving skills, and adaptability to changes in technological and scientific directions. Preferences will be given to the candidates who are recent graduates (PhD within last 2-3 years), prior expert experience in flow cytometry, in vivo mouse models, molecular biology tools (e.g., cloning, transfection, PCR, sequencing, western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, etc.), and single cell RNA sequencing analysis with the ability to function independently.

Pay Range: $61,008; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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.

Applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Nelson (rwnelson@umn.edu) for questions and for an interview. A CV, including publications and contact details of at least three references will be requested upfront.

This position will remain open until filled.

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).

The University of Minnesota Medical School

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.