Post-Doctoral Associate

The Santelli Geomicrobiology and Bioremediation Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Biotechnology Institute at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is hiring a postdoctoral researcher in geomicrobiology/molecular biology. This researcher will work on an NSF-funded CAREER grant to determine the pathways and mechanisms by which fungi interact with selenium, an essential toxin, in the environment. Specifically, this research examines the reductive transformation of soluble, toxic Se oxyanions (selenate and selenite) to insoluble Se(0) nanoparticles and volatile, organoselenium compounds by a diverse suite of environmentally-relevant Ascomycete fungi. Aided by whole genome sequences, the researcher will integrate -omics approaches and geochemical assays to shed light on fungal-selenium interactions. This work has direct application to contaminant bioremediation as well as understanding the fate and distribution of contaminants in the environment.

The researcher will be directly supervised by PI Cara Santelli, who has a diverse lab that is committed to inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging in the group, in academia, and in our community. PI Santelli supports researchers interested in careers within and outside of academia.

50% RESEARCH
- Help design and conduct laboratory experiments with filamentous fungi to determine mechanisms and pathways of selenium detoxification and biomineralization
- Conduct studies to examine gene expression and/or quantitative global protein expression of fungi in response to selenium exposure
- Work with bioinformaticians to analyze fungal transcriptomics and proteomics data

45% COMMUNICATION
- Communicate results through peer-reviewed journals
- Presentations at conferences and to various stakeholders

5% PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
-Contribute to researcher's own professional development, such as attending workshops, guest lecturing, advancing DEI, etc.

Required Qualifications:
PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, mycology, biogeochemistry, or equivalent
Microbial genomics, transcriptomics, or proteomics expertise
Some bioinformatics experience for gene expression and protein identification
Outstanding communication skills and demonstrated expertise with writing and publishing in international peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with ion chromatography or other analytical techniques preferred, but not required
- Experience with microbial culturing valued, but not required

Pay Range: $61,008; 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.

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

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

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).