The Student Training Experience Program is partnering with UMR students, who will be interning for up to three consecutive semesters (a whole year) at The Hormel Institute. It is strongly encouraged for interns to participate in this program for a minimum of two semesters, with the third (summer semester being optional). The STEP internships will allow students an opportunity to apply knowledge learned through courseworkand gain practical experience within the research field. Interns will be provided with various opportunities to help them gain real biomedical research experience, enhance professional development and increase their understanding and appreciation for the research and science profession.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction in English

• Enrolled at University of Minnesota Rochester – after hired must enroll in UMR course: CLI 3496 for 2 credits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior laboratory experience

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

The Babicheva lab at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and talented scientist to join an enthusiastic and collaborative team of outstanding scientists. The successful applicant will hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution, in the area of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology or biomedicine and have a strong track record of, and potential for, success. The applicant should have a keen research interest in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell signaling, calcium channels, gene expression regulation, or microRNA in cardiovascular research. He/she should be self-motivated in the assigned research projects, should be willing to receive training that enhances the individual’s professional development and future formation of his/her own career as well as should be willing to seek for research funding. He/she should have experience of working in a research team environment and have experience of writing research reports, publications or other relevant outputs. Qualified individuals with experience in cellular and molecular biology or animal physiology in the field of pulmonary hypertension and/or heart failure are preferred. The Hormel Institute houses an equipment core including confocal and fluorescent microscopes, real-time PCR, spectrophotometers, tissue processor and microtome, cryostat, and high-speed and ultracentrifuges. The core facilities are further supported by dedicated facility managers responsible for training, support, and usage of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physiological experiments in mice and rats including assessment of hemodynamic parameters, cardiac function, isometric vessel tension in mouse and rat pulmonary arteries using wire myograph, isolated perfused lung function and lung morphology.
• Conduct cellular and molecular biological experiments including Western Blot, immunofluorescence, PCR, qPCR, cell-based assays, fluorescence calcium imaging, isolation of vascular endothelial/smooth muscle cells from rodent and human lungs.
• Perform data acquisition and analysis, grant and manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at weekly lab meetings.
• Maintain transgenic mouse colonies (i.e., breeding and genotyping), managing lab research records (e.g., methodological approaches, experimental records, and protocols), and maintaining a clean lab and the function of lab equipment.
• Maintain a safe, clean and functional laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants should be highly motivated and have a doctoral level degree (PhD, DVM, MD or equivalent).
• Applicants must possess good communication skills and be fluent in both spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with experience in cardiovascular physiology or biochemistry/molecular biology techniques are strongly encouraged to apply.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

70% – Ongoing Research

• Design and implementation of hypothesis-driven research projects.

15% – Analysis & Review

• Analysis and review of generated data.
• Review of scientific literature.

15% – Scientific writing

• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Preparation of grants proposals for submission to seek research funding.

Our laboratory focuses on creating and applying mathematical, statistical, and computational models to various challenges in biomedicine, epidemiology, and engineering. We use methods such as data science, deterministic models, machine learning, and biostatistics models to model, predict, understand, and solve these challenges. We also develop software tools and virtual laboratories that enable the visualization and testing of hypotheses through mathematical models that are user-friendly for non-experts in mathematics and computing techniques.

A postdoctoral degree in mathematics, statistics, or computer science can be a valuable asset for the Hormel Institute. It can provide a new perspective on how mathematical and computational tools can enhance research and innovation in other fields, such as engineering, biomedical science, and more. A postdoctoral researcher with such a background can contribute to the interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving the Hormel Institute aims for.

Required Qualifications

• D. in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field by the start date.
• Strong research record and potential.
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publications in at least one of these areas: mathematical/computational modeling, numerical mathematics, data science, machine learning, statistics, dynamical systems, biomathematics, or applied mathematics.
• Experience with the following software or programming languages: MATLAB/GNU Octave, R, Python, COMSOL, Julia, or equivalent.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Some of the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

60% – Engage in Research Activities

• Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of research.
• Developing numerical, statistical, and/or computational experiments.
• Collect, create, and analyze data.

30% Participate in Preparing and Presenting Data

• Study investigators and disseminate results to professionals and other audiences.
• Co-author of reports, conference papers, and publications.

10% – Engage in the Hormel Institute Activities to Promote the Institute’s Mission in the Community

• Participate in training and courses required by the institute, supervisor, or the University of Minnesota.