Post-Doctoral Associate: Avian Immunology and Virology

Post-Doctoral Associate: Avian Immunology and Virology

Department of Animal Science
Classification & Title: 9546, Postdoctoral Associate
Working Title: Postdoc - Avian immunology and virology
Appointment Type: 100% FTE, 1-year appointment with possibility of annual renewal to 3 years based on performance and continued funding
Reports to: Sunantha Kosonsiriluk
College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: St. Paul Campus

Position Overview
The Turkey Health Laboratory in the Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to support a multi-year project on trained innate immunity as a novel, non-vaccine strategy to strengthen poultry resilience to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This USDA-APHIS-funded project evaluates whether immune-priming compounds can enhance antiviral readiness in poultry.
Research in the Turkey Health Lab includes respiratory and mucosal immunity, macrophage biology, in vitro cell culture models, in vivo immune-priming studies, and field-scale validation in collaboration with commercial industry partners.

The postdoctoral associate will serve as the primary researcher responsible for planning, executing, and troubleshooting experiments across all phases of the project, including in vitro assays, in vivo studies, challenge-trial coordination, and field implementation.
This position provides opportunities for professional development in immunology, epigenetics, animal infectious disease modeling, and translational poultry health. The position is 100% in person.

Responsibilities
Examples include, but are not limited to:
In vitro research - 35%

• Serve as the primary researcher conducting in vitro experiments.
• Culture chicken macrophage cell lines and primary leukocytes.
• Conduct immune-priming assays using -glucans, CpG-ODNs, and Poly(I:C).
• Perform RNA extraction, cytokine ELISAs, quantitative RT-PCR, and basic epigenetic assays (e.g., histone-modification profiling).
• Prepare samples for transcriptomics (RNA-seq) and data interpretation.

In vivo and BSL-2/3-associated research - 35%

• Lead immune-priming studies in layer chickens and turkeys.
• Coordinate sampling (blood, tissues, swabs) and perform immunological assays.
• Planning and execution of HPAI challenge trials at accredited BSL-3Ag facilities.
• Perform necropsy-related sample collection and tissue processing.

Field work - 15%

• Lead flock sampling and data collection at commercial poultry farms.
• Coordinate logistics with veterinarians and producers.
• Assist in evaluating field-level immune responses and resilience outcomes.

General Responsibilities - 15%

• Perform additional project-related duties as assigned to support successful completion of research objectives.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and follow biosafety and IACUC protocols.
• Participate in lab meetings, contribute to manuscript preparation, and present research at conferences.
• Provide training and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project team members (immunology, epigenetics, virology, field production).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Prior experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RNA/DNA extraction, ELISA).
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments and troubleshoot laboratory protocols.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse research team.
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with avian research, macrophage biology, or innate immunity.
• Experience with epigenetic assays (ChIP, DNA methylation) or RNA-seq workflows.
• Experience working in BSL-2 or higher environments.
• Experience with poultry handling, sampling, or on-farm research.

The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in CFANS is located on the St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major enrolls approximately 400 students across several emphasis areas including Production, Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science, and Poultry. Students gain broad scientific training and species-specific expertise that prepare them for careers in animal agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, and industry.

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also maintains 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, as well as the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and multiple interdisciplinary centers. The college emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Pay Range: $61,008 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given 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.

Upload the following required materials:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing qualifications and research interests
• Contact information for at least three references

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Sunantha Kosonsiriluk at sunantha@umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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