Rsch Pro 1-Biomed Research

A position is available in Dr. Matthew Aliota's laboratory at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary medicine to study RNA virus evolution, transmission, and pathogenesis.
Understanding how viruses overcome evolutionary barriers to emerge and cause disease in humans will be critical for prediction, prevention, and control of future viral threats. The
successful applicant will provide technical assistance to help design experiments and develop improved technologies to measure immunological cross-reactivity among viruses; and will work on experiments to better understand the relationship between viral genetics and disease outcomes.

Duties will include assay development, optimization, and quality control; performing animal experiments; extracting viral nucleic acid for quantification of viral loads; and performing various assays to understand immune responses. The successful applicant will also be expected to assist in the preparation of data for publication purposes and participate in routine lab maintenance (including mouse and mosquito colony maintenance) and other ongoing projects in Dr. Aliota's laboratory as needed. The position will involve close collaboration with other research teams at the University of Minnesota and beyond. Excellent written and oral communication skills are therefore essential.

Essential Functions:

Develops, designs, and conducts one or more research projects and organizes daily operation of projects and specialized research areas to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision.

30% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results.

10% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders.

20% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences.

20% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials.

10% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers.

10% Performs literature reviews and writes reports.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required qualifications:
BS in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, immunology or related field or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
The ability to multitask, learn new tasks, and organize many types of data from multiple projects accurately.
The successful applicant should have a deep-seated interest in virology, be an excellent
communicator, and have a strong desire to learn about and apply new technologies and data analysis.
Biological safety level (BSL) 3 laboratory certification; certification for working with blood-borne pathogens. Both may be acquired upon hire.

Preferred qualifications:
A strong academic background is highly preferred
Applicant must understand complex concepts of immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and virology.
Experience with molecular biology techniques preferred.
Experience in animal work preferred.
This position may involve using DNA sequencing to understand virus transmission. Since management of large numbers of samples and interpretation of sequencing data are complex, an applicant with strong computer skills is preferred.

Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.50 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 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. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).