Rsch Pro -Biomed Research

Position & Department Overview
The Alam Laboratory at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota studies the structure and function of human membrane proteins, with a focus on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. The laboratory uses mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical methods, and cryo-electron microscopy to investigate membrane-protein mechanisms. The position will support the laboratory's research program through mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein production and purification, biochemical characterization, sample preparation, and laboratory operations.

The employer retains the right the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Mammalian Cell Culture & Recombinant Protein Production - 30%

• Plan and optimize mammalian expression experiments for research projects.
• Develop and evaluate transient and stable expression conditions.
• Troubleshoot nonroutine cell-culture and protein-expression problems.
• Establish reproducible production workflows and train laboratory personnel in mammalian cell-culture and expression methods.

Protein Purification & Biochemical Characterization - 30%

• Design and optimize purification strategies for individual membrane-protein targets and complexes.
• Systematically troubleshoot protein extraction, purification, stability, and reconstitution problems.
• Optimize biochemical and functional assays and interpret experimental results.
• Develop reproducible purification and characterization workflows and train other laboratory personnel in their use.

Experimental Research & Structural/Biophysical Sample Preparation - 20%

• Plan experiments addressing defined research questions.
• Select appropriate experimental conditions and controls.
• Analyze and interpret biochemical, biophysical, and structural data relevant to assigned projects.
• Use experimental results to propose and execute follow-up experiments.
• Contribute to preparation of figures, methods, and research materials for presentations and publications.

Laboratory Operations & Documentation - 15%

• Develop and maintain standardized laboratory procedures and documentation.
• Train laboratory personnel in specialized experimental workflows.
• Identify operational problems affecting experimental reproducibility or efficiency and implement solutions.
• Coordinate use and maintenance of research equipment relevant to assigned workflows.

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• Perform other research-related duties necessary to support the scientific objectives of the laboratory, with duties appropriate to the level of appointment.

Work Profile
Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on‑site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office/lab will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Demonstrated experience independently planning and executing laboratory experiments.
• Experience optimizing experimental procedures and troubleshooting nonroutine research problems.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
• Ability to train or provide technical guidance to other laboratory personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience optimizing mammalian protein‑expression and purification workflows.
• Experience with membrane proteins, protein complexes, or other challenging recombinant protein systems.
• Experience with detergent extraction, lipid‑based protein…