Project/Job Description:
The Neuro Immuno Interface (NII) Lab is focusing on the function of neuropeptide systems in epithelial tissue repair, immune function, skin sensory disorders, and circadian rhythm regulation. We study the role of neuropeptides and their receptors in nerve regeneration, and their interactions with epithelial cells to mediate the wound healing process, especially immune and neuronal reaction. The nervous system in skin interacts closely with different skin cells, such as keratinocytes, and immune cells. We have shown that neurotransmitter systems and other sensory receptor systems exist in skin cells and influence both skin sensation, homeostasis, and immune modulation. The aim of this project is to study the role of cytokines and neurotransmitters in the cutaneous multi player network using human stem cell co-culture system, molecular and cellular biology, and circadian rhythm sample collection to study the function of keratinocytes, immune cells, sensory neurons, and endothelial cells for their interactions. We collaborate extensively with engineers and clinicians and aim for high impact research including experiments to be conducted on the international space station. Recently, we initiated a Long COVID project on neuro-immuno-vascular disorder symptoms.

Job Responsibilities
40%:
Grow 3D full thickness skin model, create new 3D models with genetically modified cells, and incorporate other cell types including vascular, immune cells, pigmented cells into the models.

30%:
Derive human peripheral sensory neurons from human stem cells. Study the interactions between epidermal cells and peripheral nerve fibers or immune cells or endothelial cells in co-culture. Characterize the change of the quality and function of the neuron or the epithelial cells due to the presence of the other component. Experiments will involve culture of skin cells, neuronal cells, and endothelial cells and co-culture between them; circadian rhythm sample collection; confocal microscopy.

20%:
Analyze the morphology and expression of protein and RNA in human skin samples. The techniques involve immunohistochemistry, various forms of microscopy and spectroscopy, RNA isolation and various RNA analysis methods, Western blot, ChIP and EMSA assay.

10%:
Study the effect of different neurotransmitters and cytokines on axon development and guidance in vitro and the changes in the interactions between epithelial cells and nerve fibers. Investigate the role of opioid receptors in this interaction using our transgenic cell lines.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Student loan forgiveness opportunity
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits: https://humanresources.umn.edu/sites/humanresources.umn.edu/files/2021_tcd-cslr-75100-ben-0105-7_final.pdf

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials. 

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree in biology, pharmacology, neuroscience or related fields or a combination of education and work experience to equal four (4) years.
• Experience in cellular biology work and demonstrated skills in experiment handling and design in cell culture, molecular biology, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Demonstrated experience working with both cell lines and primary cells.
• Experience with molecular (RNA, DNA and protein) and cellular analysis of biological samples including testing activation of signaling pathways.
• Experience using different light sources and interface designs with microscopy and  immuno- histochemistry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of related experience.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with primary human skin keratinocytes, stem cell-derived sensory neurons and related cells for 2D and 3D models and ELISA and other immune assays.
• Good team player with strong communication skills, able to think for oneself and good at troubleshooting independently.
• Passionate about own work with strong work ethics.
• Candidates must be willing to work as part of a team to contribute to collaborative tool-development projects.
• Experience in performing small animal surgery.
• Knowledge of G protein-coupled receptors, intracellular signaling, electrophysiology, optical physics and lab device design.
• Knowledge for circadian rhythm.
• Bio-engineering skills and experience designing new assays for co-culture system and optical physics for novel in vivo human studies using spectroscopy and/or in vivo confocal microscopy.
• Co-authorships on publication(s).

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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