Research Professional - Analytical Chemistry and Nanomaterial Synthesis

About the Job

This is a one-year full-time temporary posted position. It is possible this position might be extended for a second year depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position and meeting standard University employment requirements.

Transplantation and regenerative medicine are rapidly developing areas of research that offer great potential for improving human health; but they face a critical bottleneck: donor organs and engineered tissues have limited windows for viable use. The ability to cryopreserve organs and tissues and provide them "on-demand" would fundamentally change medicine and save countless lives.

Our highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary team is working to demonstrate the first successful case of long‑term organ cryopreservation at the clinical scale. Following our breakthrough publications on rewarming viable rat organs (Han et al. Nature Communications, 2023) and enabling curative treatment for diabetes through cryopreserving islets (Zhan et al. Nature Medicine, 2022), we are scaling these approaches to clinical translation. Backed by several NIH grants and the NSF Engineering Research Center (ATP‑Bio), this position puts you at the absolute cutting edge of research that will impact patients' lives.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented BS chemist (or related field) ready to put in the effort required to drive breakthrough science. This is a hands‑on lab‑based position. You will provide critical technical support for developing next‑generation nanoparticles and cryoprotective agent (CPA) solutions.

This role bridges the gap between a BS degree and applied research experience, enabling pathways to graduate school, medical school, or industry. Beyond the technical skills, you will gain an invaluable professional network through the NSF ERC ATP‑Bio, direct mentorship from senior postdocs along with lab PIs, and a standout resume characterized by real‑world, life‑saving scientific contributions.

• Nanoparticle synthesis & functionalization: coat, functionalize, purify, and characterize magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles used for the uniform radio frequency rewarming of cryopreserved biomaterials. Evaluate nanoparticle stability in complex mixtures.
• Solution and polymer chemistry: formulate, test, and optimize complex cold‑storage and cryoprotective agent (CPA) solutions used to protect cellular structures during freezing.
• Analytical characterization: gain hands‑on mastery of a wide range of organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry techniques to evaluate nanoparticle stability and solution properties.
• Research operations: document and maintain rigorous experimental protocols, manage data acquisition, and collaborate daily with a diverse technical team of engineers, surgeons, and biologists.

General responsibilities will include executing existing protocols under close mentorship, but high-performing candidates will have the opportunity to pursue independent projects and earn co‑authorship on high-impact peer‑reviewed publications.

NIH R01DK
117425, NIH R01DK
132211, NIH R01DK
131209, NSF EEC-1941543

• 25% – prepares and characterizes complex solutions utilizing standard analytical techniques (aqueous w/ amphiphilic organics), based on existing SOPs and instruction of senior lab personnel.
• 25% – performs coating, purification, and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles, based on existing SOPs and instruction of senior lab personnel.
• 20% – supports other characterization studies, as needed.
• 10% – documents SOPs, data summaries, and reporting.
• 10% – supports general lab maintenance (cleaning, ordering, waste removal, forms/organization).
• 10% – attends meetings.

None specified.

University of Minnesota, East Bank campus.

• Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm.
• 40 hours per week.

• BA/BS degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, or related…