Researcher, Research​/Development, Research Scientist

About the Job

About the Position

The Molecular Therapeutics Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota is seeking a highly motivated, independent part-time (50% appointment / 20 hours per week) Researcher 1 focused on drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Our lab sits at the intersection of molecular biology, advanced cellular modeling, and therapeutic development. This position will design and execute bench-scale research projects and develop complex multicellular models, while providing targeted support for manuscript and grant preparation.

Primary Responsibilities

90% of Time (approx. 18 hours/week) – Research & Drug Discovery Pipeline

• Support PI in designing and executing bench-scale research projects, targeting therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration.
• Assist with development and maintenance of cell cultures and multicellular assemblies, specifically neuron-glial spheroids.
• Utilize molecular biology techniques and specialized biophysical assays, including Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measurements, to evaluate drug candidates.
• Under guidance of PI, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data to drive the drug discovery timeline forward.

10% of Time (approx. 2 hours/week) – Scientific Communication & Grant Support

• Contribute to the drafting, editing, and submission of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Assist in the preparation and writing of federal, state, and private foundation grant proposals.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Work Environment: In-person at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities East Bank campus

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

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

Qualifications

Required:

• BA/BS degree in Biomedical Engineering or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Demonstrated experience with, or strong theoretical understanding of, FRET measurements.
• Strong technical writing skills with an aptitude for contributing to scientific literature or grant components.
• Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to manage a bench project independently within a part-time schedule.

Preferred:

• Prior experience working specifically with multicellular assemblies or 3D culture systems (e.g., spheroids or organoids).
• Prior experience assisting with published scientific papers or grant applications.
• Background knowledge in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS).

About the Department

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is an academic unit of the College of Science and Engineering that administers biomedical engineering degree programs at all levels (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral). While research possibilities among the graduate faculty span the full spectrum of biomedical engineering, the Department has established interests in cardiovascular, neural, and cancer engineering. We seek to focus growth and excellence in these research areas as we grow.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $ 21.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your My Job Applications page and uploading documents in the My Cover Letters and Attachments section.

Required application materials: Resume required

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