Research Professional 3-Preclinical Research

This research position is within the Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care, in the vascular biology laboratory of Dr. Eric Wise. Our mission is to develop and evaluate innovative, effective acute trauma care from point of injury through early post-injury in austere, low resource, rural, and emergency care settings. We also work in understanding the physiology and mechanisms of sepsis in the vasculature.

About the role

This role is highly hands-on and involves coordinating complex large-animal surgical experiments, managing tissues in real time, and balancing wet lab assays with post-experimental data analysis. The position supports pre-clinical research within the Center, funded by the Department of Defense. Successful candidates must be able to independently execute multi-step experimental protocols, anticipate challenges, and troubleshoot in real time with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Research (70%)
  • Large Animal (Porcine) Studies
    • Extensive involvement in large animal (porcine) surgical procedures in an operating room setting, including long, time-sensitive experimental days
    • Manage large animal procedures, including perioperative support, drug administration, and coordination with surgical teams in compliance with IACUC protocols
    • Collect and analyze tissue, blood, and organ samples for downstream molecular and functional analysis
  • Rodent Model Studies
    • Conduct rodent surgical procedures and experimental protocols
    • Manage small animal (rodent) procedures, including perioperative care and drug administration in compliance with IACUC protocols
    • Collect and analyze pre-clinical data from rodent models to validate and complement large animal findings
  • Vascular Reactivity and Muscle Bath Systems
    • Maintain and utilize muscle/organ bath systems for vascular reactivity studies across human samples, large animal, rodent, and isolated vessel preparations
  • Cell Culture and Molecular Analysis
    • Perform cell culture and molecular and tissue analysis to assess vascular and inflammatory responses, including proteomic analysis, genomic analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and metabolomic sample preparation
    • Conduct experiments using animal and human samples and associated data
  • Collaboration, Model Development, and Mentorship
    • Collaborate with the Experimental Surgery teams
    • Troubleshoot technical and experimental issues in real time
    • Evaluate and optimize new and developing experimental models
    • Work in a team setup as well as independently
    • Train and mentor graduate and medical students, ensuring adherence to protocols and safety standards
    • Occasional overnight experiments depending on study design
• Data Analysis and Management (25%)
  • Perform data entry; manage and maintain detailed records of experiments and procedures
  • Perform basic statistical analysis of data using available software
  • Generate and disseminate experiment reports to research teams and collaborators
  • Manage sample repository, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and tracking of biological specimens and lab data
• Additional duties (5%)
  • Works under general supervision with ongoing R&D operations as time allows
  • Other duties as required
  • Potential visits to animal lab at USUHS (Washington, DC) and/or Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) for training and collaborative studies
  • Participate and present in seminars and nationally renowned conferences

Requirements

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years
• Previous experience in a research setting
• Must be able to stand at a laboratory bench and operating room for extended periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs
• Must be willing to work in a large animal OR; must have experience in large animal management, including husbandry, drug administration to animals, working with IACUC, and performing procedures
• Must be willing to take an occasional overnight shift
• Ideally have supervisory experience in animal management

Qualifications

• Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or higher, with 2 years of related experience in a biological lab, or a related field of science
  • Interest in biomarker and/or pre-clinical research
  • Familiarity with vascular biology and/or muscle/organ bath use

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

About the Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

Pay

Pay Range: $55,390.40 - $73,000; depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• 100% time appointment
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • 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 our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.