Rsch Pro 2-Research Lab

Position Overview:

The newly established neurovascular lab led by Dr. Kristy Zera is seeking an outstanding Research Associate to participate in ongoing interdisciplinary projects. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a molecular/cellular biology laboratory, and a strong interest and/or background in vascular contributions to cognitive outcomes in chronic stroke. Consideration will also be given to exceptional applicants with a proven track record of success in related fields.

The candidate will be responsible for laboratory management, including supply ordering, safety trainings for all members, managing lab inventories, and familiarizing new lab members from diverse identities to the lab workflow. They will also be trained in experimental techniques spanning molecular and cellular biology and rodent models of stroke including immunostaining, qPCR, cell culture, RNA sequencing, and cognitive, mood and motor behavior testing in rodents. They will participate in project conception, data acquisition, analyses and dissemination of work including manuscript publication.

This individual will be expected to work independently in the lab under the leadership of the PI. This position will be expected to manage day-to-day lab operations, training/leading new lab members, serve as the primary point of contact for lab partners, oversee lab operations, provide feedback to PI regarding lab, and developing comlex data outcomes.

This position actively supports and advances the University's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Data acquisition and analysis (50%)

• Test hypotheses related to vascular contributions to stroke outcomes.
• Perform rodent survival surgeries
• Rodent behavioral testing
• Tissue analyses including qPCR, immunostaining, -omics analyses
• Other experimental techniques as needed

Training and mentoring lab members (20%)

• Supervise and train new members until they are able to work independently
• Maintain training records related to animal protocols, chemical safety, etc.

Data communication (10%)

• Data preparation for lab meeting, collaboration meetings, conferences
• Grant and fellowship writing
• Manuscript publication

Other Duties (20%)

• Order and maintain lab supplies
• Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project.
• Collegial conduct towards trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including the PI, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other trainees.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in Neuroscience, Immunology, Vascular Biology or related field
• Prior experience (at least two years) in hands-on laboratory work including: designing and performing experiments with proper controls; developing hypotheses based on current literature
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with rodent models, including surgeries and/or behavioral testing is strongly preferred
• Prior experience with -omics data analysis and familiarity with R, python or another programming language
• Experience in molecular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry, qPCR, cell culture, ELISAs
• An excellent track record of publications, conference presentations, and collaboration
• Software experience including Fiji/ImageJ, Adobe Illustrator, GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Office Suite

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.
Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $22.19 - $45.77 per hour ($46,155.20-$95,201.60 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: In Person; Duluth Campus

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:

• 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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).