Postdoctoral position in Translational Immunology in Singh Lab at SDI

The Singh laboratory for Comprehensive Immune Studies (CIS) within Schulze Diabetes Institute at Medical School, UMN is looking for full-time postdoctoral fellow in the field of translational Immunology for an NIH funded project focus on understanding functional effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on immune systems. We are a laboratory that support and conduct hypothesis-driven research at both the basic and translational levels, with a clear focus on advancing human health. Our overarching mission is to delve deep into the complexities of the immune system, aiming to pinpoint the central regulators responsible for orchestrating inflammation, Immunity, and tolerance to transplant tissues (islet and kidney). Using primary human
sample, preclinical model of NHPs, we pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in immune features that can serve as invaluable biomarkers, ultimately contributing to an enhanced state of human health.


Summary of Position:
The Transplantation Tolerance Laboratories (TTL) within the Schulze Diabetes Institute (SDI) in the Department of Surgery is looking for an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate with a passion for exciting state-of the art technology that explores the world of single cells using mass cytometry. Overall, the SDI/TTL lab is interested in understanding to what extent VNS alters the immune system and impacts protective immunity. The candidate will perform deep immune profiling and single-cell ATAC/RNA-seq before and after VNS device implantation to determine whether i) baseline immune signatures predict the response to VNS, ii) clinical improvements correlate with distinct immune system signatures, iii) VNS ameliorates depression and epilepsy by modulating the underlying autoimmunity, iv) changes in immune responses to VNS are stable or fluctuate over time, and v) VNS device parameter settings can be
personalized based on immune system profiling for enhanced efficacy.

Candidates will have the opportunity to engage in NIH-funded on-going translational and/or observational cohort studies and develop their own project within the ongoing research in a fast-paced behavioral research environment. This position requires letters of support from at least two colleagues/supervisors.
This individual will work with a team of translational immunologists and report directly to Amar Singh, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, within the SDI in the Department of Surgery.
The individual will perform duties and responsibilities as a post-doctoral researcher in the TTL. General laboratory functions are also expected of this position.

About the Study
In this large-scale clinical study, the candidates will work with interdisciplinary team of
PIs and Co-Is join for NIH-funded Research Evaluating Vagal Excitation and Anatomical
Links (REVEAL) project that will take place over three years. REVEAL aims to study the
anatomical connections and functional effects (the cardiovascular, metabolic, autonomic

nervous and immune systems) of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which is an FDA-
approved treatment for epilepsy and depression.

The position responsibilities include:

Comprehensive immune phenotyping assay to decipher how do VNS modulate the immune response in patients with suspected autoimmune depression and autoimmune epilepsies (75%)

• Obtains training and certification in human subjects' research.
• Optimizing the strategy and protocol for blood sample collection in TruCulture Tubes followed by LPS stimulation and tranfer to Smart Tube, Red Top Tube, Whole Blood, BD Vacutainer@CPT to separate PBMCs and organize the shipping from clinical site to research laboratory/SDI for stage I. Ensures appropriate set up and processing of sample collection and measurement systems.
• Establish procedure optimization, CyTOF panel design and data analysis consultation, consult with users regarding potential mass cytometry projects including. Standardize and optimize Nuclei Isolation Single-Cell Multi-Omic ATAC- & RNA-seq for stage II
• Coordinates, supervises, and assists in data collection of study subject with clinical site team along with project manager and Cytokine Reference Lab (CRL).
• Perform masscytometry (CyTOF) analysis to execute comprehensive phenotyping of the immune subsets, functional assays for T and B cells at the bench and contribute to research and development of assays with supervision.
• Understanding of sample preparation, instrument optimization and data analysis.
• Build and optimize mass cytometry antibody panels, conjugation and QC of mass cytometry reagents.
• Thawing, washing, purification, culture of T cells, B cells and other cell types using sterile technique.
• Prepare media, and solutions under sterile conditions ahead of time for thawing and culturing cells and performing immunological assays, CyTOF staining and sample acquisition.
• Maintain records of procedures and resultant data manually and electronically.
• Perform basic data quality evaluation, cleaning and normalization of FCS files and help in analyze data using licensed software.
  
  Assisting the director with research and development, data management and drafting scientific reports (20%)
• Computer knowledge to enter data from experiments into existing databases; spreadsheets and web-based applications.
• Conduct background literature search on relevant topics including current
  methods, reagents, and ethics. Perform periodic literature reviews.
• Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work.
• Participates in the UMN PDA: post-doc program activities: presentation and preparation of data into figures, written project updates, oral presentations (including lab meetings, post doc seminars, and presentations at local, national, and international meetings); and preparation of manuscripts based on their work.
• Assists PI in training and mentoring research staff and undergraduate and
  graduate students as appropriate.
• Establishes new research protocols and procedures.
• Assist with development of protocol for process improvement projects.
  
  General team and lab duties-first time doing activities will be done in parallel to Tissue Culture Techniques (5%)
• Processing of blood and tissue samples from Human and Nonhuman primates.
• Restocking, ordering and keeping inventory of reagents, solutions and
  consumables used in the laboratory.
• Culturing cells and changing media with sterile technique, long term sterile
  culture for immunological assays
• Participate in lab meetings with collegiate and positive input for the team's work.
• Assist researchers with performing other immunological studies.

Required Qualification:

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• Applies knowledge and skills to a recurring task or activity with emphasis typically on precision and timeliness of execution. Experience working with human and nonhuman, mice samples. Knowledge of aseptic technique and a familiarity with cell culture techniques.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Flow and Masscytometry
• Cell culture, molecular biology
  

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.

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit:

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:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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