Researcher 1 - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

The Researcher 1 will collaborate with other members of the laboratory to carry out experiments and analyze data. The general research responsibilities will include bacterial and cell culture, preparation of DNA, RNA and protein samples, conducting conventional PCR, quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot assays, and assisting with animal experiments. Other responsibilities will include general lab support, maintaining a lab electronic notebook, data analysis, and presenting research at lab meetings.

Research (65%): Under the guidance of senior lab members the Researcher 1 will carry out the following types of experiments using established protocols

• Cultivate bacteria and construct new bacterial strains
• Cultivate mammalian cells in tissue culture and infect with bacteria
• Analyze antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria
• Conduct gene expression analysis by quantitative RT-PCR
• Assist with animal experiments

General lab support (25%): basic lab maintenance, including preparation of reagents and supplies inventory; animal husbandry, including mouse breeding and genotyping.

Data analysis and presentation (10%): analyzing data and preparing figures of results, presenting data at lab meeting, and drafting methods or results sections for manuscripts.

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related area, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years
• At least 3 months experience as an undergraduate researcher (or equivalent) in a research lab
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google apps
• Ability to work with others in a team environment
• Excellent time management skills
• The qualified candidate must be willing to work in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory and to perform experiments using mice

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience culturing mycobacteria or other Risk Group 2 bacteria in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, RT-PCR, immunoblotting, or small animal handling and experimentation

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay Range: $23.84 to $25.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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).