Researcher 4 - Lab Manager - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

About the role

Recognized as an expert in research work. Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise to competently carry out duties. Interprets internal or external issues and recommends solutions/best practices. Solves complex and varied problems; takes a broad disciplinary perspective to identify solutions. Coordinates research efforts for the entire laboratory including managing equipment, supply chains and personnel. Also manages a large complex research project. Develops own research projects performing experiments, analyzing data, and writing drafts of manuscripts. Supervisory responsibilities include assigning work and overseeing the work of staff.

Responsibilities

• 40%: Manage day-to-day laboratory operations (shipping and receiving, ordering supplies, inventory, supervising undergraduate student workers). Ensure that the lab is properly stocked, organized, and clean. Oversee the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, mouse colony management, and provide training.
• 30%: Manage a large complex research project with collaborators within and outside the University of Minnesota and several people within the lab. This project involves generating constructs for work with Cryptococcus neoformans and other fungal pathogens of interest, performing in vitro assays with pathogenic fungi, as well as in vivo mouse infection experiments. Perform experiments, analyze data, and write drafts of manuscripts for publishing. Collaborate with PI and other lab members to contribute to the preparation of grant applications.
• 20%: Supervision of researcher 1s and undergraduate student employees. Support scientists in the laboratory and conduct investigations in an assigned area to aid in the solution of a research problem (standard virology techniques and applying new techniques as needed) and prepare data for publication.
• 10%: Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Microbiology or related field and at least 5 years of experience or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
• Senior individual contributor who often is a designated lead or who frequently is assigned project leadership roles within a function or similarly sized organization, usually in the same discipline.
• Experience with flow cytometry and/or fluorescence microscopy.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience working with fungal pathogens with a focus on fungal cultures and in vitro lab experimentations.
• Experience with mice handling and assays involving mice infection.

About the Department

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay

Pay Range: $34 to $40 an hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Schedule

100% appointment.

Benefits

• 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.