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, 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.

• 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 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.

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

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

University of Minnesota, East Bank campus, Twin Cities

Pay Range: $21.64 – $25.00 per hour; depending on education, qualifications, experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

• 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.

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.