Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

This is a research position within a laboratory at the interface of virology and immunology studying mechanisms by which respiratory viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus cause disease in humans. Our lab seeks to foster an inclusive environment in which members from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop their skills of scientific inquiry.

A successful candidate will be a curious, self-motivated team player. The position offers the opportunity to interact with physician-scientists and develop skills in a variety of research techniques, experimental approaches and research questions relevant to human health, including primary human cell culture, molecular virology and analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data and other large data sets. The researcher will be encouraged to present and publish their research.

Responsibilities
10% Make standard laboratory reagents (PBS and other buffers, LB media, Agar Plates, DMEM etc), keep the laboratory stocked and clean, and maintain all laboratory equipment.
20% Ship and receive specimen processing kits and log specimens in laboratory database
10% Perform bacterial culture
40% Perform molecular analyses including nucleic acid extraction, reverse transcription, and nanopore sequencing
20% Perform bioinformatic analysis of nanopore sequencing results

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required

• Bachelor's degree with a major or minor in a biomedical science (e.g. physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, etc) or an equivalent combination of education and relevant research experience to equal four years.
• At least one year of research experience
• Ability to collect, analyze and present data with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Openness to giving and receiving feedback
  

Preferred

• Experience with standard mammalian tissue culture techniques
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques e.g. PCR, quantitative PCR, DNA extraction
• Experience with use and/or development of data analysis and/or data visualization tools, e.g. R
• Analysis of "omics" data, including sequence assembly and analysis
• Experience with patient care / contact
• Prior training and experience conducting research involving human subjects or willingness to complete such training (CITI, HIPAA)
• Ability to interact patiently and respectfully with children and teenagers and diverse populations
• Experience abstracting and reporting medical data for clinical research
• Experience handling human specimens
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to learn and integrate new information quickly
• Demonstrated ability to maintain deadlines and prioritize assignments
• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities
• Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications including but not limited to experience with word processing, reference managers, website design, clinical databases and/or spreadsheets
• Ability to work flexible work hours, including occasional evening and weekends.
  

Pay Range: $15.25 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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).