Research Professional 1 - Department of Neuroscience

About the role

This Researcher 1 position involves optical imaging and analysis of data obtained from experiments, including the use of the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute servers. The employee will support ongoing research projects in the laboratory by assisting with animal preparation, surgery, imaging, data organization, and general laboratory operations. The employee will work closely with the PI and other designated lab members, including senior research staff, scientists, engineers, and trainees, to support ongoing laboratory projects.

Responsibilities

• 90% — Research
  • Prepare and organize instruments, supplies, and workspaces for sterile intracranial surgery in animals.
  • Induce and monitor anesthesia using common anesthetic agents, including isoflurane and approved controlled substances.
  • Assist with and perform approved intracranial surgical procedures in mice, including AAV injections, cranial window preparation, and related procedures after training.
  • Perform optical imaging experiments.
  • Organize, process, and analyze data obtained from imaging experiments.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all experiments, procedures, imaging sessions, animal work, reagents, and data files.
  • Perform rigorous data analysis involving MATLAB, Python, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) services.
  • Work collaboratively with other laboratory members, including senior staff and trainees, to coordinate experiments, share equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure continuity of research activities.
  • Participate in weekly lab meetings to report on training progress, experimental results, troubleshooting, and research findings.
  • Contribute constructively to scientific discussions and recognize how diverse problem-solving approaches can lead to better research outcomes.
• 10% — Laboratory organization, compliance, and operational support
  • Order animals, reagents, surgical supplies, and other laboratory materials as needed.
  • Maintain critical regulatory documentation, including records related to controlled substances, laboratory safety, animal care, and approved protocols.
  • Ensure that laboratory supplies are organized, appropriately stocked, and available for ongoing experiments.
  • Assist with cleaning, maintenance, and organization of surgical equipment, imaging-related equipment, and shared laboratory spaces.
  • Transport materials between buildings when needed.
  • Prepare for and participate in laboratory inspections throughout the year, including inspections related to animal care, biosafety, chemical safety, and controlled-substance compliance.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications:
  • BA/BS degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) or a combination of education and work experience totaling at least 4 years.
  • Experience with optical imaging in mice.
  • Experience working in the Kara Lab.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience using Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) services.

About the department

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. It is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School, grouped under the Academic Health Center.

• Mission of the Department of Neuroscience:
  • Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
  • Serve as an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
  • Provide leadership and be a focal point for strengthening neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
  • Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
  • Bridge the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice to improve the health of the people of Minnesota.
  • Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay

Pay Range: $21.75 per hour

Benefits

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.

While salary ranges provide a framework, initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range to ensure compensation reflects individual credentials and experience while maintaining equity.