Research Professional - Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology

Job

Location:

Twin Cities

Job Family:
Research

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Job Code: 8353LS

Employee Class:
Civil Service

Our lab is seeking a Researcher 3 to coordinate and assist with projects using mouse models to study immune‑metabolic crosstalk in obesity and aging, with a focus on the bone and bone marrow organ. Typical job duties will include:

80% – Experimental Leadership

• Lead independent research projects, including extensive reading in the subject matter, experimental design, execution, and analysis.
• Independently perform a wide range of experiments, including molecular analyses (RNA work, molecular cloning), protein biochemistry (Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, ChIP), histological techniques (cryo and microtome sectioning, immunohistochemistry), cell culture, flow cytometry, and in vivo animal studies.
• Oversee and maintain transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding strategies, genotyping, health monitoring, and coordination of tissue harvesting and experimental procedures.
• Ensure high‑quality, reproducible data by applying strong technical judgment and troubleshooting skills across diverse experimental platforms.

10% – Data Analysis, Reporting, and Scientific Communication

• Analyze experimental data, prepare figures, and contribute to written reports for lab meetings, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Present research findings during weekly lab meetings and contribute to scientific discussions that shape project direction.
• Manage routine equipment maintenance and coordinate procurement of reagents, supplies, and specialized materials to support ongoing research.

10% – Lab Operations, Training, and Team Support

• Oversee procurement of supplies, equipment, and specialized research materials, ensuring efficient resource allocation and uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Collaborate on shared research initiatives and provide support for experiments led by other team members.
• Provide broad operational oversight for the scientific functions of the laboratory, maintaining high standards of compliance, safety, and research excellence.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to new and junior lab members, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety standards.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, or related field, plus four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and work experience to equal eight years.
• Previous hands‑on experience with genetic mouse models and in vivo animal experiments.
• Laboratory experience with common molecular biology techniques including PCR, RT‑PCR, Western Blotting, cell culture, and fluorescent microscopy.
• Ability to carry out research protocols from written or oral instructions by supervisor.
• Inquisitive, motivated, organized (able to recognize and prioritize work) and responsible.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in biomedical fields.
• Prior research experience on adipose tissue biology, bone biology, or immunology.
• Extensive experience with flow cytometry and micro‑CT is a plus.

This new department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at the University of Minnesota is central to the mission of the Medical School and University. The department stands on the shoulders of legends, most notably Professor Maurice Visscher who, more than 50 years ago, had the vision to reach across disciplines in the quest for knowledge discovery. This was a huge leap forward as most everyone then built departments as silos—daring to seek cross‑disciplinary interactions.

Visscher's efforts helped launch a remarkable period of biomedical growth and discovery, particularly in cardiovascular biology and disease, where landmark breakthroughs in portable cardiac defibrillators and cardiac open heart repair were envisioned and brought to fruition.

In this spirit, the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology emerges. Our research centers on integrative systems biology of the heart and vasculature, including the close linkages among cardiovascular diseases and obesity, diabetes and metabolism at the whole animal level. The department is ideally positioned to bridge…