Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Surgery (Transplant Division)
Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: April 20, 2024
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Job Description:
Apply for JobJob ID356444
LocationTwin Cities
Job FamilyAcademic
Full/Part TimeFull-Time
Regular/TemporaryRegular
Job Code9546
Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin
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About the Job
Postdoctoral fellowship in organ cryopreservation for
transplantation
University of Minnesota Division of Solid Organ Transplantation
(Erik Finger, MD/PhD) and University of Minnesota Bioheat and Mass
Transfer Laboratory (John Bischof, PhD)
About the Job
Transplantation, regenerative medicine, and cell-based therapies
are rapidly developing areas of research that offer great potential
for improving human health. However, one of the greatest barriers
to translation is the inability to apply these therapies when and
where they are needed. Ex vivo biological systems have a limited
shelf-life. Donor transplant organs and tissues only remain viable
for hours. Engineered cells and tissues can be cultured, but
typically with great effort, cost, and limited ability to transport
prior to treatment. The objective of our research is to develop
methodologies for cryopreservation, or "banking," of cells and
tissues for transplantation and regenerative medicine. The labs of
University of Minnesota (UMN) Professors Erik Finger (Surgery) and
John Bischof (Mechanical Engineering) through the UMN Organ and
Tissue Preservation Center and NSF Engineering Research Center
(ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological
Systems (ATP-Bio), are looking for a motivated surgical postdoc to
contribute towards making this a reality.
In recent publications, we have shown the ability to cryopreserve
kidneys for up to 100 days while preserving full organ function in
a transplant model (Han and Sushil Rao et al., Nature
Communication, Accepted 2023). We have also shown the ability to
cryopreserve pancreatic islets for 9 months and use them to cure
diabetes (Zhan and Sushil Rao et al., Nature Medicine, 2022). Our
technology platforms enable cryopreservation and rewarming of
cells, tissues, and organs of differing sizes and geometries. We
plan to continue developing these approaches for clinical
translation over the next several years through grant support from
three NIH R01s, the NSF ERC ATP-Bio, and additional foundation
awards. Areas of interest include kidneys; livers and hepatic cells
and tissues; pancreatic islets; reproductive organs; hearts and
cardiac systems; and many other developing cryopreservation
applications. This highly collaborative and multidisciplinary
effort provides extensive training, networking, and mentorship
opportunities for clinical, tenure, or industry-track careers.
Collaborators through ATP-Bio include Massachusetts General
Hospital / Harvard Medical School, UC Berkeley, and others.
This position will lead the biological aspects of projects focused
on kidney cryopreservation for transplantation. Responsibilities
include microsurgical procedures; ex vivo organ perfusion;
biological assessments; documenting and maintaining protocols; data
analysis and summaries; and paper writing. Initial work will focus
on rodent models but will transition to larger animal models. The
position will have core project responsibilities but contribute
across multiple related research projects. Opportunities for
contributions and leading proposals exist.
Duties/responsibilities:
30% - Preclinical animal surgical procedures
40% - Ex vivo organ perfusion and biological assessments
10% - SOPs, data summaries, and reporting
10% - General lab maintenance (cleaning, ordering, waste removal,
forms/organization).
10% - Meetings
Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- MD, PhD, or MD/PhD with microsurgical experience (or extensive
other surgical experience)
- Strong communication skills
- Desire to work as a member of a highly collaborative team
Preferred qualifications may include:
- Performing biological characterization and assessments
- Microscopy (including confocal microscopy)
- Ex vivo organ perfusion
- Preclinical animal surgeries (rodent and large animal)
- Cell and tissue culture
- Rodent animal care (including blood draws)
- Clinical imaging
- Cryopreservation protocols and characterization
- Data processing and statistical analysis
- Presenting technical and scientific data
- Maintaining and organizing lab space
- Paper and proposal writing
About the Department
To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit:
Benefits
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:
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.To request an
accommodation during the application process, please e-mail
employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (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:
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.
Keywords: University of Minnesota, Brooklyn Park , Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Surgery (Transplant Division), Healthcare , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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