Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree with one or more years of research training
• Strong written and verbal communication skills/proficiency in the English language

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field with hands-on experience
• Publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals

The Researcher 5 manages multiple research projects in Dr. Yu’s laboratory to primarily perform basic science research aimed to better understanding the genome instability and epigenetic inheritance. Technical responsibilities include working with yeast genetics, mammalian cell culture, and molecular biology assays, including immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, transcriptional regulation/gene expression analysis, qPCR, cell proliferation, and cell transfections. This role works under general supervision and collaborates with the principal investigator to achieve optimal results. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with excellent people skills and the ability to manage multiple and changing priorities and deadlines. In-depth research-specific knowledge is needed to solve complex problems and recommend best practices, which is imperative to the success in this role.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include full participation in the design, implementation, and analysis of hypothesis driven research projects; manuscript preparation; critical review of relevant scientific literature; training and supervision of data collection personnel, including undergraduate interns, researcher scholars, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees. Applicant will assist PI to support grant writing activities and will be mentored in preparing their own independent grant applications. Applicant will write manuscripts describing their findings to be submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals for publication. Manuscripts will include reporting of methodology and statistical presentation (graphs, charts, etc.) prepared using software to explain findings. Applicant will identify emerging new datasets, tools, and software information needed to support research projects. Applicant will also maintain the yeast and mammalian cell lines. The position entails working on several projects using primarily mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and clinical specimens.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Research/Project Management - 75%

• Design, implement and evaluate multifaceted research projects using state-of-the-art technological and scientific developments
• Assist in the development of short- and long-range lab goals, scientific techniques, and clinical research protocols. Assess needs, evaluate feasibility, and provide input to facilitate implementation
• Conducts research investigations from experimental design and reagent preparation to interpretation of experimental results
• Responsible for analysis of data images to derive parameters which can be compared between samples
• Collect the parameters and prepare them for analysis in the form of graphs
• Consult and participate with other researchers within the lab and other outside units
• Mentor and train undergraduate students, volunteers, and interns
• Provide customized and knowledgeable guidance, complex problem solving and information to researchers

Data Analysis - 10%

• Create data collection tools to gather and measure sample data and variables of interest
• Visualize data as graphs and tables using programming software to explain findings to investigators and for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Oversee the documentation of good data collection and related experimental protocols and records
• Conduct independent literature searches to identify emerging tools, analytical methods, data collection systems and software needed to support research projects
• Write journal/publication quality methodology and statistical presentations (graphs, charts)
• Maintain records on lab arrangements, meeting discussions and other required documentation

Scientific Writing - 10%

• Reporting research findings in manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed biomedical journals and grant writing
• Generation of figures for manuscripts and grants proposals

Process Improvement - 5%

• Contribute to the identification, development, and implementation of new research procedures to improve efficiencies, waste/cost overruns, quality/continuous improvement, timeliness, and effective resource allocation
• Design and plan new areas of investigation and assist in drafting proposals to procure research funding

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and The Hormel Institute endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as Flexible Work Profile One.
Flexible Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research department within the University of Minnesota’s Office of the Vice President for Research. Established in 1942, The Hormel Institute will soon be celebrating 80 years of innovative research and today’s vision is “We inspire discoveries that improve and extend human life.” The Hormel Institute’s biomedical research is primarily focused on cancer research and the center is cutting edge, after tripling in size in 2008 and again doubling in size in 2016. The Hormel Institute is continuing to grow and expand to broaden our impact through innovative, world class research. Our scientists have complete access to the most cutting-edge technologies including a cryo-electron microscope (Titan Krios and Tecnai G2 Spirit Biotwin), FACS cell sorter, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, protein crystallography robotics and defraction system, nano-HPLC-AB SCIEX triple TOF 5600 mass spectrometry, Leica tissue processor, embedder and microtome, real-time PCR instrumentation, 5 racks of Linux GPU supercomputers for computational biology and bioinformatics, spectrophotometers, and Western blot imagers. The Hormel Institute is located in Austin, MN, conveniently located 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute offers a collaborative, innovative, supportive work environment where you will contribute to our vision of “inspiring discoveries that improve and extend human life.”

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-UOHR (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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

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.