Post-Doctoral Associate

Apply for Job Job ID 375596
Location Duluth
Job Family Academic
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Job Code 9546
Employee Class Acad Prof and Admin
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About the Job

Position Overview:

The newly established neurovascular lab led by Dr. Kristy Zera is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral associate to participate in ongoing interdisciplinary projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and/or background in vascular contributions to cognitive outcomes in chronic stroke. This candidate will also have the opportunity to develop and test potential therapies to treat cognitive, motor and/or mood deficits using preclinical rodent models of stroke and/or dementia.

The candidate will be trained in techniques spanning molecular and cellular biology and rodent models of stroke including immunostaining, qPCR, cell culture, RNA sequencing, and cognitive, mood and motor behavior testing in rodents, and rodent surgeries. They will participate in project conception, data acquisition, analyses and dissemination of work including conference presentations and manuscript publication. They will also participate in grant writing, and have the opportunity to train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students from diverse identities. Consideration will also be given to exceptional applicants with a proven track record of collaboration and publication in related fields. This position actively supports and advances the University's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

60%: Data acquisition and analysis

• Test hypotheses related to vascular contributions to stroke outcomes.
• Perform rodent survival surgeries
• Rodent behavioral testing
• Tissue analyses including qPCR, immunostaining, -omics analyses
• Other experimental techniques as needed

10%: Training and mentoring lab members

• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students working on independent projects

20%: Data communication

• Data preparation for lab meeting, collaboration meetings, conferences
• Grant and fellowship writing
• Manuscript publication

10%: Other Duties

• Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project.
• Collegial conduct towards trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including the PI, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other trainees.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Vascular Biology or related field
• An excellent track record of publications, conference presentations, and collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to learn and thrive in diverse, collaborative and fast-paced environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with rodent models, including surgeries and/or behavioral testing is strongly preferred
• Prior experience with -omics data analysis and familiarity with R, python or another programming language
• Experience in molecular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry, qPCR, cell culture, ELISAs
• Software experience including Fiji/ImageJ, Adobe Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Office Suite

About the Department

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.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232-$70,344 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: In-person, Duluth Campus

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.