Researcher 5-The Otopathology Laboratory at The University of Minnesota Medical School

About the Job

The Otopathology Laboratory at The University of Minnesota Medical School seeks a Researcher 5. The lab focuses on ear studies and maintains an archival collection of human and animal temporal bone slides, continually augmented. Our research employs various microscopy methods, including light, electron, fluorescent, Nomarski, and fluorescent light sheet microscopy, to explore anatomical variations, surgical outcomes, disease consequences, and treatment efficacy. Additionally, animal models are used to investigate the pathogenesis, pathophysiological mechanisms, and potential treatments for hearing and balance disorders.

Responsibilities: 

• The successful candidate will engage in multiple aspects of one or more projects simultaneously. 
• They will work independently and collaborate frequently with lab members, as well as scientists from other departments and institutions. Responsibilities include experimental design, implementation, and data collection, as well as analysis and dissemination of research findings. 
• The researcher will contribute to, and potentially lead, grant writing efforts. They will also focus on enhancing processing methods for human temporal bones, with an expectation that their work will be presented at professional meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Additionally, the candidate will guide research fellows and instruct them in their research efforts.
   

Duties:

• Continuously review the literature for updates on diseases affecting the temporal bone.
• Design and apply innovative histological processing methods to our human temporal bone specimens.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of temporal bone diseases.
• Conduct studies using our collection of human and animal temporal bone histology, employing various techniques including microscopy and imaging (e.g., x-ray, CT scan,
  MRI).
• Design and execute experimental approaches in animal models of temporal bone diseases to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and potential prevention/treatment strategies.
• Explore and implement innovative techniques for processing and studying human and animal temporal bones, with a focus on molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and
  histology techniques.
• Assist or perform procurement of temporal bones.
• Administer a variety of hearing and balance tests to support investigations.
• Prepare grant applications and scientific publications.
• Keep detailed laboratory records, including electronic and paper laboratory notebook detailing all procedures and results.
• Direct and supervise the technician staff.
• Mentor students and junior researchers.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting the PI with research-related or administrative tasks and presenting the results of the experiments to the laboratory staff and scientific conferences.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in basic sciences (with preference for molecular biology and/or genetics) with at least 1 year of research training.
• Strong background in laboratory techniques and methods.
• Experience in manuscript preparation and submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in hearing and balance research and/or anatomy and pathology of the ear.
• Previous participation in grant writing.
• Familiarity with tissue processing (human and/or animal) and histology techniques, as well as general laboratory duties (reagent preparation, chemical inventories, lab safety,
  equipment maintenance).