Post-Doctoral Associate, Biomaterials and Molecular Biology

The School of Dentistry invites applications for a postdoctoral associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Jae Sung Lee. Dr. Lee's laboratory focuses on the development of innovative biomaterials to advance the use of biologically active therapeutics in regenerative medicine. The successful candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary projects at the cutting edge of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and molecular biology. The position is available immediately.

Job Description

The primary research focus of this position is to investigate the impact of the physicochemical properties of biomaterials on mRNA delivery and transfection. Additionally, the successful candidate will contribute to other ongoing research projects in the laboratory.

• 80% laboratory activity - biomaterials fabrication and characterization, mRNA design and synthesis, cell transfection, protein quantification, cell-based assays, data collection, evaluation and recording
• 10% research communication - preparing manuscripts for the publication of research, presenting at scientific conferences, participating in seminars and workshops
• 10% mentoring - training graduate and undergraduate students in the lab

Required Qualifications (Please document on resume)

• PhD or equivalent qualification in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Cell/Molecular Biology, or related fields
• Knowledge in biomaterials and drug delivery
• Knowledge in RNA biology and protein engineering
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong record of publications
• Experience of working independently and in a team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques
• Experience in mRNA design and synthesis including plasmid preparation and RNA transcription reaction
• Experience in mRNA delivery and transfection

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. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Pay Range: $61,008-$65,000; 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 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.

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.

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).