Careers

See Yourself at Sanford Research

Join Sanford Research and be a part of a vibrant and growing research community. You’ll work to advance medical research in a collaborative environment with colleagues who are experts in their fields. Sanford Health researchers have the full support of the organization and are provided with the necessary resources and cutting-edge technologies to advance biomedical research.


Faculty

Sanford Research is the research arm of Sanford Health, one of the largest rural integrated health care systems in the nation. This makes Sanford Research uniquely structured to facilitate basic, translational, clinical, and population health research across the upper midwest and the entire Sanford Health network.

Faculty have access to state-of-the-art facilities and unique resources. New staff will join a team with a well-established infrastructure in basic, translational, and behavioral sciences research and strong faculty mentorship. Sanford Research has a long history of successful extramural funding and receives substantial NIH funding. Currently, we have three NIH-funded Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) with focuses in pediatric, cancer, and population health research.


Laboratory Facilities & Resources

Sanford Research occupies a large, open, and collaborative space at the Sanford Center in Sioux Falls, SD. All faculty members have access to common areas, shared equipment and core services.


Training & Mentoring

Sanford Research offers extensive opportunities for training and mentorship:

  • Weekly research seminars encompassing all eight research groups
  • Partnerships with USD and SDSU offers opportunities for involvement with graduate education both in the classroom setting and for mentoring and training of graduate students
  • Several annual Scientific Symposia 
  • Professional development seminars covering topics such as ethical conduct in research, grant writing, career development, safety, and compliance
  • Individual mentorship from Senior Faculty and Leadership

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Sanford Research provides a robust career and professional development program for postdoctoral fellows and staff scientists to help them prepare for a variety of scientific careers. In addition to our accomplished faculty mentors and state-of-the-art resources, professional training opportunities include the following:

  • Our Career Path Workshop Series allows postdocs and staff scientists to explore a variety of science careers; topics have included biotech industry, pharmaceutical industry, undergraduate teaching, clinical lab directing, science policy, tech transfer and public health
  • Professional development presentations provide tips and instruction in a variety of topics, including grant writing, oral presentations, networking and preparing for faculty interviews
  • Hands-on workshops and programs enable postdocs and staff scientists to develop and hone professional skills like writing and reviewing grants and giving oral presentations, chalk talks and elevator pitches
  • Opportunities are available to give lectures in graduate courses taught on-site at Sanford Research
  • Postdocs and staff scientists engage in K-12 outreach activities through Sanford PROMISE

The collegial and collaborative research environment at Sanford Research is ideal for postdoctoral training. Trainees also enjoy the social community in Sioux Falls, a small city with an abundance of dining, shopping, sporting events and entertainment.

Individuals interested in being considered for postdoctoral or staff scientist positions at Sanford Research are encouraged to apply for open positions.


Open Positions

See all positions available at Sanford Health.

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Available Positions

Postdoctoral Fellow - Chandrasekar Lab

An NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship position is available in the Chandrasekar lab at Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Chandrasekar lab investigates the role of myosin motor proteins and the actin cytoskeleton in cellular transport pathways and epithelial transport associated kidney disease. We use conditional knockout animal models and epithelial cell culture methods combined with advanced imaging techniques (light microscopy, electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction) to address fundamental questions in cell and kidney biology. We utilize tools and techniques developed in the lab to reveal organelle structure, function, and physiology from both in vitro (kidney epithelial cell culture) and in vivo (whole kidney) perspectives.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with excellent problem-solving skills who will enjoy doing science with passionate, fun loving team members. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or a related field, with some experience in mouse models, biochemistry, and microscopy. The position should be of interest to scientists who want to apply cutting edge microscopy techniques and mouse genetics to study basic cell and kidney biology and relate the findings to human disease.

Interested individuals should send a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and the names of three references to Indra.Chandrasekar@SanfordHealth.org with the subject line “Postdoctoral Fellow”.

Learn more about the Chandrasekar Lab at Sanford Research.

Postdoctoral Fellow/Staff Scientist - Masuho Lab

Postdoctoral Fellow or Staff Scientist position is available in the Laboratory of Dr. Ikuo Masuho. The research position will be working on the molecular mechanisms of GPCR signal transduction in health and disease. Our lab uses various approaches, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, BRET biosensors, systems biology, and bioinformatics to decipher principles of the GPCR signaling system. Dr. Masuho is committed to providing ample one-on-one meetings and provides support for the transition to independent research programs.

References:
Masuho I et al. Diversity of the Gβγ complexes defines spatial and temporal bias of GPCR signaling. Cell Systems (2021)
Masuho I et al. A global map of G protein signaling regulation by RGS proteins. Cell (2020)
Masuho I et al. Molecular deconvolution platform to establish disease mechanisms by surveying GPCR signaling. Cell Reports (2018)
Masuho I et al. Distinct profiles of functional discrimination among G proteins determine the actions of G protein-coupled receptors. Science Signaling (2015)

View more information.

Postdoctoral fellows receive competitive salaries according to NIH guidelines. This position is benefit eligible, including health and dental plans, retirement plans, dependent care and healthcare flexible spending accounts, paid time off and more.

Interested applicants please submit an application to Dr. Masuho at Ikuo.Masuho@SanfordHealth.org along with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 professional references.

Postdoctoral Fellow/Staff Scientist – Savinov Lab

Postdoctoral Fellow/Staff Scientist – Savinov Lab
A position at the level of Postdoctoral Fellow or Staff Scientist is available in the lab of Dr. Alexei Savinov for a motivated and ambitious candidate with a strong background in Immunology and Molecular biology. Projects in the lab are focused on identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to type 1 diabetes that are suitable for intervention, developing corresponding therapeutic approaches, and rigorous preclinical testing of these approaches.

Qualifications
Doctoral degree in molecular or cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, or a related field is required. Previous documented research experience with molecular cloning and Flow Cytometry is essential. A strong publication record along with advanced experience with primary cell culture, immunological techniques (such as ELISA, ELISPOT, Luminex, or manipulations of immune cells), and/or multi-color flow cytometry, is preferred. Familiarity with generating/characterizing mouse models, retroviral transduction, and immunofluorescent microscopy is highly desirable.

Application
Please send a CV, a cover letter and a list of three references to alexei.savinov@sanfordhealth.org with the subject line “Postdoctoral Fellow - Savinov Lab”.

Learn more about the Savinov Lab.

Assistant Scientist/Professor in Pediatric Oncology Research

Sanford Research invites applications for full-time faculty at the rank of Assistant Scientist within Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD, with commensurate rank of Assistant Professor at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. Sanford Research is the non-profit research branch under Sanford Health.

We seek outstanding scientists with research programs focused on investigating non-hematological pediatric cancers. Highly skilled candidates will explore genetic drivers, developmental mechanisms, and translational studies relevant to any non-hematological pediatric cancer, with a priority for candidates with research programs that focus on immunotherapies.

Physician scientists are also encouraged to apply; however, candidates will be expected to dedicate a majority of their efforts guiding a basic or translational research laboratory. Investigators with established animal/cellular models of pediatric cancer are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally, with our strong network of pediatric cancer oncologists and a strong network of clinical research coordinators, basic research programs that have the potential to drive future clinical trials will be preferred. Significant institutional support, including modern laboratory space and state-of-the-art facilities will be provided.

A comprehensive benefits package will be tailored to the candidate’s qualifications. Successful candidates will join a collaborative team with a well-established infrastructure in pediatric and oncology research and faculty mentorship.

Qualifications
Applicants should hold a PhD, MD or MD/PhD degree and complement the existing strengths and interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of Sanford Research. Candidates will be expected to develop independent research programs and secure extramural funding.

Application
Sanford Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants should submit a single PDF that includes:

  1. Detailed curriculum vitae.
  2. Description of research experience and future research plans with specific details on the relevance of their research to relevance of their research to pediatric oncology.
  3. Three letters of recommendation.

Submit materials via email to: researchrecruitment@sanfordhealth.org.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 47 medical centers, 2,800 physicians, over 220,000 Sanford Health Plan members, more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations, and World Clinics in 8 countries. Over $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford have transformed how Sanford Health improves the human condition.

Life in Sioux Falls

The city of Sioux Falls is one of the fastest growing areas in the Midwest, with a population of more than 180,000 in the greater Sioux Falls area. The largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls balances an excellent quality of life and a strong economy with a safe, clean living environment. The cost of living is competitive with other leading cities in the region, and South Dakota has no state income tax. Powered by innovation and entrepreneurship, the low unemployment rate in Sioux Falls fuels its booming economy. Sioux Falls offers all the amenities of a community twice its size such as fine dining, shopping, arts, sports and nightlife.

South Dakota is known for its world-class hunting and fishing, along with national parks and a wide variety of landscapes to enjoy through its four seasons.

The city’s many features include:

  • Diverse art and entertainment events
  • Expansive restaurant, brewery and winery selections
  • Outdoor parks, golf courses, a new aquatic center, winter ski hill and hiking
  • Vibrant downtown community, conveniently located near Falls Park
  • 26-mile bike loop/trail
  • Denny Sanford PREMIER Center that hosts sports, concerts, professional bull riding, etc.
  • Exemplary academia within the public and private schools and local universities
  • Sanford Sports Complex