Research Professional 2-Microbiology

The Gale lab in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology is seeking to hire a Researcher 2 to work as a laboratory technician. Our lab focuses on the study of innate immunity to RNA virus infection, functional genomics of virus infection, and vaccine and immune-therapeutic development. We employ a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and computational approaches. We need additional research support to conduct experiments on virus infection, innate immunity, and immune programming that require laboratory support for analysis of nucleic acid, protein, and computational data analysis, to interrogate the host response to RNA virus infection.

The Researcher 2 will work alongside other members of the laboratory to carry out experiments and analyze data. The general research responsibilities will include animal handling and infection, cell and virus cultures, preparation of DNA and RNA samples, preparation of protein samples, conducting conventional PCR, RT-PCR and immunoblot assays, and communicating with collaborators and other lab members. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with inventory of supplies, maintaining lab stocks, maintaining a lab electronic notebook, data analysis, presenting at lab meeting, and professional development to acquire new skills.

* Research (75%): under general supervision of senior lab members, assist with experimental design and conduct experiments using established protocols to grow and analyze cell and viral cultures, assist with animal infection studies and sample collections, and maintain cell banks and virus stocks, and to analyze data sets.
* General lab support (10%): participate in general lab tasks, including making reagents, autoclaving, keeping track of supplies and assisting with ordering, assisting with onboarding of new researchers.
* Writing and data presentation (10%): participate in writing and data presentation including presenting at lab meetings, preparing figures from experimental results, and reading scientific literature
* Professional development (5%): includes development of new laboratory skills

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and 2 years of related experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years
* Coursework includes upper-division laboratory in cell biology and biochemistry.
* Coursework in virology and/or immunology is also preferred but not essential
* At least 3 months experience as an undergraduate researcher (or equivalent) in a research lab, including experience with conducting biological assay(s)
* Experience in a biosafety setting and animal handling
* Basic experience with Microsoft and Google apps
* Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with others in a team environment, excellent time management skills

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a community of scholars committed to discovering and disseminating knowledge about the microbial world. Our interests and expertise encompass some of the most exciting areas of contemporary microbiology and immunology, ranging from the physiology and development of microorganisms, the molecular pathogenesis of infections, and fundamental aspects of immunity.

Pay Range: $27.88 - $30.77/hourly or $58,000 - $64,000/annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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 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.

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).