Graduate Research Appointment - Wangensteen Lab

The Graduate Research Appointment (GRA) is a post-baccalaureate appointment for participants with an interest in biomedical research. The primary purpose is to provide a post-baccalaureate laboratory research experience that applies skills in science, technology, engineering, or math to biomedical research including basic science or translational research.  GRA participants will have the opportunity to participate in selected graduate classes and seminars while working in this role.

The Genetics of Liver Disease Laboratory develops genetic technologies to identify the molecular drivers of liver disease and cancer and aims to translate those discoveries into new therapeutic strategies. 

The GRA project will focus on the development of a new drug to treat liver cancer, with an emphasis on genetic approaches that can directly target a vulnerability in cancer that we discovered. The work will integrate RNA interference, CRISPR-based gene therapy, lipid nanoparticle generation, and in vivo gene delivery to design, optimize, and test next-generation molecular medicines for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Bachelor’s degree with a strong background in science, technology, engineering, or math.  Authorization to work and remain in the United States, without necessity for Mayo Clinic sponsorship now, or in the future. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Applicants who are currently in Graduate or Medical School are not eligible. Students that do not meet these criteria do not qualify.

The ideal student will be ambitious, hard working, intellectually curious, and excited to contribute to a collaborative team environment. Because this project spans discovery biology, therapeutic engineering, and animal model testing, applicants who enjoy learning new methods and solving difficult problems will be especially well suited. Prior experience in bioinformatics, basic molecular biology, cell culture, mouse handling, or other mouse laboratory skills will be viewed favorably, although motivation and curiosity are the most important qualities.