Scientific Researcher (Res 2) - Department of Surgery

Classification and title: 8352R2, Researcher 2
Working title: Scientific Researcher
Percent time: 100%
Work hours: 40/week
Term: A - 12 month appt.
College/admin unit: Medical school - TC campus
Department/division: Surgery
Campus location: Minneapolis

Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated scientist to manage and lead microbiome research projects in the Staley lab in the Department of Surgery. The researcher will serve as a primary contact for designated projects and assist with maintaining lab protocols and workflows as well as regulatory paperwork. They will work closely with the Surgery Clinical Trials office to facilitate distribution and collection of study materials. Lab responsibilities include same-day processing of stool samples, extractions for DNA/RNA- and metabolomics-based analyses, and overseeing mouse studies. The position is highly collaborative and will also involve collaboration with other physicians and scientists within the department and Medical School. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented critical thinker able to organize several projects occurring simultaneously and facilitate completion of studies in an ethical, rigorous, and timely manner. Independent work is expected, but the researcher will also work closely with and receive guidance and
support from the PI and other lab members. There will be ample opportunities to build skills in microbiome and computational biology and the researcher can expect to be
included on multiple peer-reviewed publications with opportunities for advancement.

About the department: The Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to clinical excellence, pioneering research, and the
education of surgical leaders. The Division of Basic & Translational Research, within the department, comprises an intellectually diverse subgroup of nonclinical specialists that
represent a wide-ranging skill set. Dr. Staley is a recently tenured Associate Professor with a strong record of publication and mentorship.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Jar8rCzj6gkz/bibliography/public/
https://staleylab.dl8.umn.edu

Duties and responsibilities:
Study coordination (40%)
-Work collaboratively with PIs to understand study design and sample collection
strategies
-Prepare necessary buffers, media, and sample collection kits and facilitate distribution
-Coordinate with clinical staff and the Surgery Clinical Trials Office for sample collection
-Maintain organized spreadsheets of all data using Microsoft Excel
Experiments and Sample Processing (40%)
-Coordinate and perform mouse experiments including fecal sample collection and
necropsy, and work with technical personnel involved in mouse care and experiments
-Work with PI to develop and maintain laboratory protocols, supplies and equipment and
recommend purchases as necessary
-Organization, cataloging, and archiving of samples from multiple projects
-Consult on and perform automated DNA extraction of patient samples, including low
biomass samples (e.g., biopsy, serum, etc.); work with the sequencing core to submit
samples
-Work with core facilities to perform metabolomics experiments using mass
spectrometry approaches
Training and compliance (20%)
-Maintain and submit IRB and IACUC protocols
-Oversee lab safety training and protocols

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, microbial ecology, computational biology or a related field with at least one year of research experience or
  equivalent combination of work and education experience to equal five years.
• Willingness to work with animal models.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques and animal
  models.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and database management.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

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.

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

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).