Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

The Willett lab in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology is seeking to hire a casual researcher from February through July 2026.

The primary responsibilities will be to carry out laboratory research and assist with basic lab tasks. Our lab studies biofilm formation and uncharacterized gene function in the Gram-positive bacterium Enterococus faecalis using a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and computational approaches. We need additional research support carrying out experiments and analyzing data.

The casual researcher will work alongside other members of the laboratory to carry out experiments and analyze data. The general research responsibilities will include aseptic technique, culture of bacterial organisms, preparation of DNA and RNA samples, growing and analyzing biofilm cultures, and communicating with other lab members. Additional responsibilities will include maintaining a lab notebook and presenting at lab meeting.

Research (80%): under general supervision of senior lab members, the Researcher will carry out experiments using established protocols (including growing bacteria, measuring antibiotic resistance of lab and clinical strains, and growing biofilms)

General lab tasks (10%): including making reagents, autoclaving, and putting away new supplies and reagents

Writing and data presentation (10%): includes maintaining a lab notebook, presenting at lab meeting, and preparing figures from experimental data

Required Qualifications:
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with others in a team environment, excellent time management skills

Preferred Qualifications:
Coursework including chemistry, foundations of biology, and microbiology (or equivalent high school classes)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications (Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc)
Demonstrated interest in studying Streptococcus mutans-Enterococcus interactions and interest in attending dental school

Pay Range: $15.25/hour

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

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.

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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)

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