Researcher - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

About the Job

The Researcher 2 will work both independently and alongside other members of the laboratory to carry out experiments and analyze data. The primary research responsibilities will include the analysis of human clinical samples, including measurement of viral titers and viral genomic analyses. Other research activities will include performing in vitro experiments with cells and viruses to examine host responses to viral infection.

Methods used may include RTqPCR, PCR, RNAseq, microscopy, and flow cytometry. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with general lab duties, maintaining a lab notebook and digital copies of data, data analysis, and presenting at lab meeting.

Position Responsibilities:

• Research (80%): under general supervision of senior lab members, assist with experimental design and conduct experiments using established protocols to analyze clinical samples, perform cell culture experiments, and to analyze data sets.
• General lab support (10%): participate in general lab tasks, including making reagents, autoclaving, keeping track of supplies and assisting with ordering, assisting with onboarding of new researchers.
• Writing and data presentation (10%): participate in writing and data presentation including presenting at lab meetings, preparing figures from experimental results, and reading scientific literature

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in molecular and cellular biology and 2 years of related experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years
• Experience working with influenza virus.
• At least 2 years’ experience as an undergraduate researcher (or equivalent) in a research lab, including experience with clinical studies and viral infection experiments
• Experience in a BSL2 setting
• Basic experience with graphpad prism and Microsoft office
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with others in a team environment, excellent time management skills

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research.

DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $27 to $29 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type :
Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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…