R6 - Spatialomics Scientific Lead / Spatial Project Coordinator - MIBAM

Spatialomics Scientific Lead / Spatial Project Coordinator

Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism - UMN Medical School

The Spatialomics Scientific Lead provides scientific consultation, project coordination,
and technical guidance for spatial biology projects across the University of Minnesota
research community. This role serves as the central point of contact for investigators
seeking to incorporate spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics approaches into
their research programs.

The position supports the MIBAM initiative by facilitating experimental design, guiding
technology selection, coordinating spatial workflows across institutional core facilities,
and supporting grant development and manuscript preparation. The role also contributes
to the strategic development of a future institutional Spatial Omics Core.

Key Responsibilities:

Spatial Project Consultation (25%)
Provide scientific consultation to investigators seeking to implement spatial omics technologies.

* Advises on experimental design for spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics studies
* Directs investigators in selecting appropriate spatial platforms (e.g., sequencing-based or imaging-based technologies)
* Evaluates tissue preparation requirements (FFPE vs fresh frozen) and assay compatibility
* Recommends appropriate controls, replication strategies, and downstream analysis approaches
* Literature review and scientific writing with manuscript preparation

Technology Selection and Workflow Development (25%)
Guide researchers in identifying the optimal spatial technology and workflow for their scientific questions.

* Provides expertise across multiple spatial platforms (e.g., Visium, GeoMx DSP, CosMx SMI, Lunaphore COMET and related technologies)
* Coordinates with institutional core facilities to determine feasibility, capacity, and timelines
* Identifies emerging spatial technologies relevant to UMN investigators
* Develops standardized guidance documents and experimental planning resources for spatial studies

Project Management and Coordination (30%)
Manage and coordinate spatial omics projects across multiple institutional resources.

* Central point of contact for spatial project inquiries
* Directs the strategic intake and definition of project scope and execution timelines
* Facilitates communication between investigators and participates in core facilities
* Provides centralized project quotes and budgeting for spatial studies
* Oversees project progression and dictates technical solutions for critical issues that arise during execution

Grant and Scientific Program Support (10%)
Support investigators in integrating spatial omics technologies into grant applications and research programs.

* Provides technical input for grant proposals involving spatial technologies
* Contributes to experimental design sections and technology justification
* Consults on budgeting and cost estimation for spatial assays
* Directs the implementation of spatial omics strategies for major institutional and collaborative research programs to fulfill the strategic objectives of the MIBAM initiatives

Strategic Development of Spatial Omics Infrastructure (10%)
Contribute to the development of a future institutional Spatial Omics Core facility.

* Assess institutional demand for spatial technologies
* Evaluates platform capabilities and infrastructure requirements
* Consults to planning for centralized spatial services
* Leads the design and implementation of operational frameworks for institutional spatial services, ensuring fiscal sustainability and technical scalability

Required:
* PhD or equivalent experience in genomics, molecular biology, or related field with substantial research and publication record
* Expertise in spatial transcriptomics and/or spatial proteomics technologies
* Experience advising investigators on experimental design for genomics studies
* Strong ability to coordinate multidisciplinary scientific projects

Preferred:
* Experience working with institutional core facilities
* Familiarity with spatial imaging platforms and sequencing-based spatial technologies
* Experience supporting collaborative research initiatives
* Experience contributing to grant proposals or large collaborative research programs

The University of Minnesota's Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism is an interdisciplinary, trans-departmental endeavor across the University of Minnesota Medical School to advance research on the fundamental biology of aging. We are embracing the Geroscience approach to aging research. This stems from the knowledge that old age is the greatest risk factor for most chronic diseases, often by orders of magnitude. This includes diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. For decades, we have avidly managed disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, yet ignored the greatest risk factor for disease: being old. Geroscientists aim to discover fundamental mechanisms of aging that can be therapeutically targeted to diminish the risk of all diseases of old age with a single intervention.

Pay Range: $100,000 - $105,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

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

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).