Postdoc - Avian Reproductive Physiology & Pathogenesis

Department of Animal Science

Classification & Title: 9546, Postdoctoral Associate

Appointment Type: 100%, 1-year appointment with the possibility of extension if funding becomes available
Reports to: Kahina Boukherroub
College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: St. Paul Campus

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships; and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing 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.

Position Overview
Dr. Boukherroub's lab in the Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities investigates the mechanisms regulating reproductive function in avian species during both health and disease. Our research portfolio includes investigating female fertility loss, the role of the microbiome in reproduction, and hen susceptibility to pathogens such as Avian Influenza. The lab utilizes state-of-the-art techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics, and organoid modeling.

The Postdoctoral Associate will lead one primary research trial and provide supportive expertise for a secondary project. This is a 100% in-person position that offers significant opportunities for professional development and the cultivation of specialized skills tailored to the candidate's career goals.

Responsibilities

* Trial Management: Oversee turkey hen fertility trials, including animal care, weekly inseminations, and sample collection at turkey farms.
* Laboratory Techniques: Perform blood collection, leukocyte isolation, RNA extraction, qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and microscopy.
* Data & Analysis: Interpret RNA sequencing data, prepare result summaries for collaborators, and draft manuscripts for publication.
* Lab Citizenship: Participate in lab meetings, share management duties, train incoming students/trainees, and present findings at conferences.
* Fieldwork: Travel for research purposes and handle animal care as required by experimental designs.

Salary/Benefits:
Annual salary will be $62,232.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Kahina Boukherroub, kahina@umn.edu

Required Qualifications:
* PhD in Animal Science, Biological Science, or a closely related field.
* Demonstrated experience in animal handling and cell culture.
* Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Department Overview
The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/ is located on the scenic St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major, with an enrollment of around 400 students, is divided into five emphasis areas: Business/Industry, Companion Animal, Equine, Production, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science. Each emphasis offers a unique combination of classes to prepare students for future careers in business, production management, companion animal, equine, veterinary medicine or graduate school. Within an emphasis, students can also specialize in a species, such as beef, companion animal, dairy, equine, poultry, swine or sheep, or develop a set of elective classes unique to their animal interests.

Pay Range: $62,232.00 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

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID 373553 ). 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.

Required Application Materials:
* Curriculum Vitae (CV)
* Cover Letter outlining your relevant qualifications and research interests.
* References: Contact information for at least three professional references.

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