美国明尼苏达大学招聘博士后—禽类免疫学与病毒学

美国明尼苏达大学招聘博士后—禽类免疫学与病毒学

Post-Doctoral Associate:Avian Immunology and Virology (# 371940)

University of Minnesota

in Twin Cities, MN

Type: Full-Time

Salary: Pay Range: $61,008 annually

Posted: Today

Category: Animal Science

Job ID: 371940

About the Job

Post-Doctoral Associate: Avian Immunology and Virology

Department of Animal Science

Classification & Title: 9546, Postdoctoral Associate

Working Title: Postdoc - Avian immunology and virology

Appointment Type: 100% FTE, 1-year appointment with possibility of annual renewal to 3 years based on performance and continued funding

Reports to: Sunantha Kosonsiriluk

College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus Location: St. Paul Campus

Position Overview

The Turkey Health Laboratory in the Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to support a multi-year project on trained innate immunity as a novel, non-vaccine strategy to strengthen poultry resilience to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This USDA-APHIS-funded project evaluates whether immune-priming compounds can enhance antiviral readiness in poultry.

Research in the Turkey Health Lab includes respiratory and mucosal immunity, macrophage biology, in vitro cell culture models, in vivo immune-priming studies, and field-scale validation in collaboration with commercial industry partners.

The postdoctoral associate will serve as the primary researcher responsible for planning, executing, and troubleshooting experiments across all phases of the project, including in vitro assays, in vivo studies, challenge-trial coordination, and field implementation.

This position provides opportunities for professional development in immunology, epigenetics, animal infectious disease modeling, and translational poultry health. The position is 100% in person.

Responsibilities

Examples include, but are not limited to:

In vitro research - 35%

Serve as the primary researcher conducting in vitro experiments.

Culture chicken macrophage cell lines and primary leukocytes.

Conduct immune-priming assays using B-glucans, CpG-ODNs, and Poly(I:C).

Perform RNA extraction, cytokine ELISAs, quantitative RT-PCR, and basic epigenetic assays (e.g., histone-modification profiling).

Prepare samples for transcriptomics (RNA-seq) and data interpretation.

In vivo and BSL-2/3-associated research - 35%

Lead immune-priming studies in layer chickens and turkeys.

Coordinate sampling (blood, tissues, swabs) and perform immunological assays.

Planning and execution of HPAI challenge trials at accredited BSL-3Ag facilities.

Perform necropsy-related sample collection and tissue processing.

Field work - 15%

Lead flock sampling and data collection at commercial poultry farms.

Coordinate logistics with veterinarians and producers.

Assist in evaluating field-level immune responses and resilience outcomes.

General Responsibilities - 15%

Perform additional project-related duties as assigned to support successful completion of research objectives.

Maintain detailed laboratory records and follow biosafety and IACUC protocols.

Participate in lab meetings, contribute to manuscript preparation, and present research at conferences.

Provide training and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary project team members (immunology, epigenetics, virology, field production).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

PhD in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

Prior experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RNA/DNA extraction, ELISA).

Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments and troubleshoot laboratory protocols.

Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse research team.

Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with avian research, macrophage biology, or innate immunity.

Experience with epigenetic assays (ChIP, DNA methylation) or RNA-seq workflows.

Experience working in BSL-2 or higher environments.

Experience with poultry handling, sampling, or on-farm research.

About the Department

The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in CFANS is located on the St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major enrolls approximately 400 students across several emphasis areas including Production, Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science, and Poultry. Students gain broad scientific training and species-specific expertise that prepare them for careers in animal agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, and industry.

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also maintains 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, as well as the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and multiple interdisciplinary centers. The college emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 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

How To Apply

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.

Upload the following required materials:

Curriculum vitae

Cover letter describing qualifications and research interests

Contact information for at least three references

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Sunantha Kosonsiriluk at sunantha@umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).

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