Researcher - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

About The Job

Researcher 1 will collaborate with other laboratory members to carry out experiments and analyze data. Responsibilities include bacterial and cell culture, preparation of DNA, RNA and protein samples, performing conventional PCR, quantitative RT‑PCR, immunoblot assays, and assisting with animal experiments. Other responsibilities comprise general lab support, maintaining an electronic lab notebook, data analysis, and presenting research at lab meetings.

• Cultivate bacteria and construct new bacterial strains
• Cultivate mammalian cells in tissue culture and infect with bacteria
• Analyze antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria
• Conduct gene expression analysis by quantitative RT‑PCR
• Assist with animal experiments

Basic lab maintenance, including preparation of reagents and supplies inventory; animal husbandry, including mouse breeding and genotyping.

Analyze data and prepare figures, present data at lab meetings, and draft methods or results sections for manuscripts.

• BA/BS in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related area, or equivalent education and experience totaling four years.
• At least 3 months experience as an undergraduate researcher (or equivalent) in a research lab.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google apps.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment.
• Excellent time‑management skills.
• Willingness to work in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory and to perform mouse experiments.

• Experience culturing mycobacteria or other Risk Group 2 bacteria in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, RT‑PCR, immunoblotting, or small animal handling and experimentation.

Pay range: $23.84 to $25.00 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience. 100% appointment. Position type:
Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off, continuous learning opportunities, low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, HSA contributions, disability and employer‑paid life insurance, employee wellbeing program, retirement plans with employer contribution, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, financial counseling, employee assistance program, and transit pass.

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.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. The presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.