Research Scientist

Job Code

Title:

Research Professional 5 - Biochemistry

Job Code: 9791BC

Location: Saint Paul, MN (100% In-Person)

Schedule & Availability: This is a full‑time, Monday‑to‑Friday position that requires occasional weekend and evening hours.

Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join the Research and Development team. LGS aims to bridge the gap between bench research and clinical application, driving innovation to improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology.

• Lead translational research projects, including designing and conducting experiments, performing advanced statistical data analyses, contributing to progress reports, and preparing manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication.
• Assist LGS R&D Director and Medical Director to develop and document IRB, IACUC, and IBC study protocols.
• Support the submission of internal and external funding applications and grant proposals.
• Disseminate research findings through presentations at scientific conferences, departmental meetings, and university‑wide events.

• Perform rotations of essential laboratory maintenance tasks, including managing research supply inventories and performing routine instrument and surgical instrument care.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and sterile working environment and uphold safety and operational standards.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related life science field, with a minimum of 3 years of lab experience.
• Hands‑on experience working with iPSC and small animals (mice, rats, and/or rabbits).
• Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques, including FACS, ELISA, qRT‑PCR, primary cell culture, immunostaining, and fluorescence microscopy.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through symposium presentations, manuscript authorship, and grant writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in optimizing ophthalmic disease models in animals and primary cell culture systems.
• Experience in RNAseq and gene expression profiling study.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Experience in preparing and submitting IRB and IACUC protocols.

Pay Range: $90K - $95K, depending on education/qualifications/experience

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization.

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 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.