Position Overview:
The Bartolomucci Lab is primarily interested in metabolic physiology, stress physiology and social determinants of health and aging. We developed a unique integrative approach to
investigate the molecular physiology of obesity and chronic stress-related disease which combines behavioral and genetic models, metabolic, neuroendocrine and imaging techniques in living animals as well as sophisticated molecular and structural biology analyses of neuropeptides. In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct research on one of two (or both) projects: 1) The role of social stress on healthspan and lifespan, as well as molecular hallmarks of aging, particularly focusing on DNA damage and senescence; 2) The role of the Complement 3a Receptor on metabolic and neurological functions.

Responsibilities Include:
 

Research- 70%

- Conduct animal (mouse) handling, husbandry, breeding, colony maintenance, behavioral testing, including, but not limited to stress induction, metabolic phenotyping, body composition, food intake, frailty, and cognitive and anxiety/addiction potency testing.
- Inject various compounds and solutions into experimental animals.
- Assist with and eventually independently perform surgery and perfusions on experimental animals.
- Collect tissue and fluid samples (e.g., body fat, brain tissue, blood) from experimental animals; store and analyze the tissue (e.g., ESLISA kits, PCR, immunohistochemistry, estrous classification).
- Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render interpretations of the data.

Operations - 10%

- Work with Lab manager to keep the laboratory stocked, maintain inventories of supplies and order items as necessary.
- Properly handle hazardous materials and dispose of all waste materials in an appropriate manner.
- Work with Lab manager to maintain chemical inventories and read and maintain appropriate Material Data Sheets and safety files.
- Assist lab manager and eventually independently write study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) manuscripts and grant applications.
- Attend Lab meetings

Presenting, publishing and Instruction - 20%

- Publish results in high impact journals.
- Present research in national and international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing abstracts and slides for presentation.
- Instruct students, fellows and other inexperienced professional persons in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
- A Doctorate Degree (PhD, which is completed within the last 2 years) in relevant scientific fields (neuroscience, physiology, nutrition, aging biology)
- Previous lab experience working with mouse models of stress and aging. Previous experience in macrophage/microglia biology and their role in aging and metabolic diseases.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science is required to assess observations, prepare specimens, run a variety of behavioral and biological assays, interpret the results of
standardized tests, etc.
- Sufficient knowledge of the physiology of mice is necessary in order to perform surgeries, and collect tissue and/or fluid samples.
- Must possess or be able to readily obtain certification to perform animal studies and procedures
- Sufficient knowledge of mathematics and statistics is required to analyze and interpret test results.
- Knowledge and skill sufficient to maintain and operate standard instruments (fluorescence microscopes, thermal cycles, etc).

Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of common histological preparations is advantageous to prepare tissues for examination. 
- Substantial experience with manuscript and grant writing.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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