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Job ID346715 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyAcademic Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9546 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin About the Job We have an opening for a postdoctoral researcher (funded by a multi-PI NIH R01 grant), available immediately in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The objective of this team science project is to elucidate the role of the metastatic niche in regulating tumor cell fate decisions towards dormancy and colonization. This project will explore the interplay between extracellular matrix and stroma in metastatic sites in concert with tumor-specific genetic programming that regulates dormancy. This work will leverage a novel tissue engineering platform that allow for culture of metastatic tumor cells within 3D micro-engineered metastatic environments (MEMEs) and sorting of MEMEs based on cell dormancy state using multiphoton flow cytometry (MPFC). This multiplexed high throughput 3D platform permits screening of microenvironmental factors, including ECM and stroma, and tumor cell genetics via RNAseq and CRISPR screens. The postdoctoral researcher will use these novel new tools to perform Transcriptome analysis, Forward-genetics screens, and CRISPR screens in order to define the mechanistic drivers of disseminated tumor cell dormancy and proliferation in distinct environments. This information will then be used with in vitro and in vivo experiments to elucidate molecular mechanism and identify therapeutic targets to prevent dormant tumor cells from evading therapy and/or inhibit their escape from dormancy, thus preventing recurrence. These studies sit at the intersection of cancer biology, genomic engineering, tissue engineering, and advanced quantitative imaging. Thus, the successful applicant will be a part of an integrated multidisciplinary team. The fellow will be co-mentored by Paolo Provenzano, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and director of the Laboratory for Engineering Oncology, and Dave Wood, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and director of the Living Devices Laboratory, along with Dr. David Largaespada, Professor and Director of the Center for Genome Engineering. The Laboratory for Engineering Oncology studies the physical and molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression to metastasis and and develops therapeutic strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance. The Living Devices Laboratory combines expertise in microfluidics, microfabrication, and tissue engineering to create advanced in vitro model systems to study disease mechanisms and to develop new therapies. The Largaspada lab identifies genetic drivers of cancer and develops genetics assays and novel genome engineering approaches to understand and treat cancer. The successful candidate will work with personnel in multiple laboratories, which are housed in adjacent space in the Nils Hasselmo Hall, as well as with personnel in the laboratories of David Largaespada and Kaylee Schwertfeger in the Masonic Cancer Center. Qualifications Required: A Ph.D. in a relevant field of Biology (Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry etc.) or Systems / Quantitative Biology, Immunology, or a related field Demonstrated track record (1st author publications in established societal or field-leading journals) of productive research Preferred: Candidates should be experienced in essential techniques of cell and molecular biology, with experience in high throughput transcriptome or gene knockout experiments and analysis preferred. Successful candidates will be able to independently develop scientific hypotheses based on data and literature and to design experiments to test those hypotheses. Successful candidates will also have excellent communication and organizational skills, creative approaches to experimental design, and must be able to work collaboratively. About the Department The University of Minnesota is robust research environment (ranked 8 th among public universities and 13 th overall in research expenditures; NSF) and the applicant will work in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (a top 20 ranked department), the Masonic Cancer Center (an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center), and the UMN Physical Sciences in Oncology Center. 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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). Diversity 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 the U of M 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. 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.