Rsch Pro 5-Biomed Research

Summary:
The Senior Researcher will serve as a scientific group leader within Prof. Oh's laboratory, exercising independent authority in writing new research grants as the PI or co-PI and executing the grant if funded, advancing our Michael J. Fox Foundation-funded research on new diagnostic technologies for Parkinson's disease.
The position requires directing major aspects of the research program, writing new grants to sustain our laboratory's critical R&D, leading collaborations with faculty and external partners, and providing scientific and managerial oversight to postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
60% - Research Leadership and Innovation
Lead the design, development, and optimization of "same-day RT-QuIC" technology for blood-based detection of Parkinson's disease.
Direct development of diagnostic kits and nanoparticle-enhanced fluorescence assay protocols.
Serve as primary or senior author on reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations.
Provide intellectual leadership in the integration of AI and machine learning approaches for image/data analysis.
Establish new experimental protocols and oversee their implementation by team members.

20% - Project and Personnel Management
Manage and oversee research activities within the group, especially in biomedical assays, including work of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Mentor and supervise junior researchers (e.g., graduate assistants, postdocs), ensuring scientific rigor and professional development.
Lead cross-institutional collaborations and represent the lab in communications with external sponsors (e.g., NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory, the Michael J. Fox Foundation).
Oversee project reporting, budgeting, and milestone tracking.

20% - Strategic Development and Training
Serve as Co-PI or Co-I in developing new grant proposals to NIH and research initiatives, contributing to long-term sustainability of the program.
Provide high-level scientific advising and mentoring to students and junior staff.
Organize and lead team meetings, oversee record-keeping, and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies.

Required Qualifications:
PhD in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related area, with one or more years of postdoctoral or equivalent independent research experience.
Demonstrated expertise in protein misfolding amplification assays (RT-QuIC or related), fluorescence detection, and misfolded protein diagnostics.
Proven experience in leading research projects, and developing new experimental protocols.
Experience in deep learning and image analysis is strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications:
PhD in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related area, with one or more years of postdoctoral or equivalent independent research experience.
Demonstrated expertise in protein misfolding amplification assays (RT-QuIC or related), fluorescence detection, and misfolded protein diagnostics.
Proven experience in leading research projects, and developing new experimental protocols.
Experience in deep learning and image analysis is strongly preferred.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering. Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website.

Fixed Pay Rate: $95,000

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

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

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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).