Research Professional 1 - Analytical Chemistry and Nanomaterial Synthesis

This is a one-year full-time temporary posted position. It is possible this position might be extended for a second year depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position and meeting standard University employment requirements.

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Join a diverse research team enabling long-term organ preservation:
Transplantation and regenerative medicine are rapidly developing areas of research that offer great potential for improving human health; but they face a critical bottleneck: donor organs and engineered tissues have limited windows for viable use. The ability to cryopreserve organs and tissues and provide them "on-demand" would fundamentally change medicine and save countless lives.

Our highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary team is working to demonstrate the first successful case of long-term organ cryopreservation at the clinical scale. Following our breakthrough publications on rewarming viable rat organs (Han et al. Nature Communications, 2023) and enabling curative treatment for diabetes through cryopreserving islets (Zhan et al. Nature Medicine, 2022), we are scaling these approaches to clinical translation. Backed by several NIH grants and the NSF Engineering Research Center (ATP-Bio), this position puts you at the absolute cutting edge of research that will impact patients' lives.

The role, mentorship, and developmental opportunities:
We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented BS chemist (or related field) ready to put in the effort required to drive breakthrough science. This is a hands-on lab-based position. You will provide critical technical support for developing next-generation nanoparticles and cryoprotective agent (CPA) solutions.
This role bridges the gap between a BS degree and applied research experience, enabling pathways to graduate school, medical school, or industry. Beyond the technical skills, you will gain an invaluable professional network through the NSF ERC ATP-Bio, direct mentorship from senior postdocs along with lab PIs, and a standout resume characterized by real-world, life-saving scientific contributions.

Key contributions will include:

• Nanoparticle Synthesis & Functionalization: Coat, functionalize, purify, and characterize magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles used for the uniform radiofrequency rewarming of cryopreserved biomaterials. Evaluate nanoparticle stability in complex mixtures.
• Solution and Polymer Chemistry: Formulate, test, and optimize complex cold-storage and cryoprotective agent (CPA) solutions used to protect cellular structures during freezing.
• Analytical Characterization: Gain hands-on mastery of a wide range of organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry techniques to evaluate nanoparticle stability and solution properties.
• Research Operations: Document and maintain rigorous experimental protocols, manage data acquisition, and collaborate daily with a diverse technical team of engineers, surgeons, and biologists.

General responsibilities will include executing existing protocols under close mentorship, but high-performing candidates will have the opportunity to pursue independent projects and earn co-authorship on high-impact peer-reviewed publications.

See Grants: NIH R01DK117425, NIH R01DK132211, NIH R01DK131209, NSF EEC-1941543

Duties/responsibilities

25% - Prepares and characterizes complex solutions utilizing standard analytical techniques (aqueous w/ amphiphilic organics), based on existing SOPs and instruction of senior lab personnel
25% - Performs coating, purification, and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles, based on existing SOPs and instruction of senior lab personnel
20% - Supports other characterization studies, as needed
10% - Documents SOPs, data summaries, and reporting
10% - Supports general lab maintenance (cleaning, ordering, waste removal, forms/organization).
10% - Attends meetings

In-person work environment

Location: University of Minnesota, East Bank campus

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
• 40 hours per week

Required qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, or related field or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
• Experience working in a university or industrial wet lab
• Strong communication skills
• Competence with Microsoft Office Suite
• Desire to work as a member of a highly collaborative team

Preferred qualifications

• Synthesis, purification, and characterization of nanoparticles and/or polymers
• Organic synthesis, and/or small molecule synthesis (distillation, biphasic separations, column chromatography, recrystallization, filtration)
• Organic and analytical chemistry characterization techniques. Including: pH balancing, osmometry, lyophilization, TEM, UVvis, FTIR, NMR (and solid state), HPLC, DLS/Zeta, TGA
• Experience working with biological systems (cell or tissue culture), microscopy, and/or biological assays
• Data processing and statistical analysis
• Presenting technical and scientific data
• Maintaining and organizing lab space

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an internationally recognized faculty, and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, the highly interdisciplinary college of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics.

Pay Range: $21.64 - $25.00 per 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.