Upper Midwest HERC

About the Job:
How lipids and lipoproteins contribute to vascular and brain aging and Alzheimerâ™s disease (AD) is unclear. We have a Researcher 5 or higher position immediately available in the lab of Danni Li (Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota) to investigate lipids and lipoproteins in two important AD research projects funded by the National Institute on Aging.

First, we will conduct a large-scale analysis of already-collected blood samples from older adults to examine plasma components known as lipoproteins. This study will uncover previously unknown associations of the proteins and lipids found within plasma lipoproteins with AD development and progression, allowing us to identify new AD biomarkers related to the vascular system for further strategy development to prevent or slow the progression of AD or AD-related dementias. Second, inheritance of the apolipoprotein (APO) E4 gene is the most potent genetic risk factor identified to date for late-onset AD. We will determine the impact of mitochondrial lipidomic dynamics and its interaction with different APOE isoforms on brain aging and AD progression. We will also identify novel molecular targets and pathways as diagnostic biomarkers/or for therapeutic development to block pathogenic brain aging and AD.


This position will be primarily responsible for developing and optimizing advanced proteomics and lipidomics methods (e.g., based on mass spectrometry) and applying them to investigate our research questions. This position will provide an excellent opportunity for training in bioinformatics and biostatistics, including analyzing large-scale proteomics and other âœomics❠data using programming languages (e.g., R) and correlating data with the outcomes available. This person will also assist the Principal Investigator with data interpretation and manuscript preparation.


Qualifications
Required:
â¢An advanced degree in chemistry or a biological-related field with at least one year of laboratory experience
â¢Excellent communication skills â“ verbal and written
â¢Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others

Preferred:
â¢Experience with mass spectrometry
â¢Experience with biostatistics and bioinformatics

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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