Researcher 3 - Pulmonary

Job Summary:
The University of Minnesota offers an outstanding opportunity for an independent and well-organized individual to serve as a Research Scientist III in Dr. Monica Campo's lab within the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (PACCS). Dr. Campo, a pulmonologist and immunology researcher with an MPH and a strong publication record, leads research investigating the human lung innate immune response to respiratory infections.

The University of Minnesota's mission statement is: "We seek new knowledge that can change how we all work and live." This position is essential to that mission by generating high-quality data to improve our understanding of regulatory innate immunity pathways, with the goal of discovering novel therapeutics for respiratory infections.

This position contributes to research development and implementation within the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. The scope of work includes developing microbiologic and immunologic assays and methods, analyzing and interpreting results, and co-writing manuscripts and grant applications. This role provides a unique opportunity for direct collaboration with a vibrant community of experienced colleagues at the Center for Immunology at the University of Minnesota, interaction with professional society organizations, and engagement with local community organizations and health systems. Additionally, this role involves fostering local community partnerships, performing administrative tasks to ensure smooth lab operations, and supervising junior lab members.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

75% Research Activities:

• Perform experiments and analyze experimental samples to study Mycobacteria pathogenesis and cellular immunology. Responsible for generating, recording, and analyzing data, including working in a biosafety level 3 laboratory.
• Assist in designing research projects: independently plan and perform complex experiments and analyses, record all experimental protocols and data, and organize and interpret experimental results.
• Operate routine lab equipment such as balances, pH meters, centrifuges, thermal cyclers, and microscopes. Record results manually and using image and analysis software.
• Maintain training and other regulatory records.
• Optimize and standardize gene editing protocols for primary human myeloid cells using CRISPR/Cas9, tissue culture, and flow cytometry. Other techniques will include bacterial and mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, scRNA and ATAC sequencing, bacterial culture, and bacterial gene editing/engineering.
• Perform everyday tasks such as laboratory cleanup and replenishing supplies as needed. Manage hazardous and chemical waste.

15% Administrative Tasks:

• Co-manage lab inventory and day-to-day orders.
• Maintain biosafety procedures and administrative records, and handle laboratory paperwork.
• Assist with writing institutional protocols, grant proposals, and manuscripts.
• Lead grant proposal and manuscript writing efforts.

10% Supervisory:

• Oversee the work of undergraduate student interns and rotating graduate students.
• Assist with experimental design and technical procedures.

Required Qualification (Must be documented on all application materials)

• BA/BS in a related science and 2 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal six years
• Three or more years of recent, directly related laboratory work experience post-degree completion.
• Ability to perform laboratory procedures independently.
• Ability to design, conduct, and analyze experiments independently.
• Strong track record of generating high-quality data for publications and grant applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience with mammalian and bacterial tissue culture, DNA and RNA extractions, flow cytometry, cell sorting, and scRNA ATAC sequencing.
• Experience isolating cells from human blood and thawing cryopreserved cells.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including genomic PCR, RT-PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis and programming in R.
• Experience in basic immunological methods, such as ELISA and western blotting.
• Experience or willingness to learn BSL-3 technical skills, including work with pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Prior experience with lab management and organization (shipment, inventories, biosafety inspections, etc.).
• Supervisory experience or the potential to oversee undergraduate researchers.
  

Pay Range: Depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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).