Researcher 1

About the Position

The Molecular Therapeutics Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota is seeking a highly motivated, independent part-time (50% appointment / 20 hours per week) Researcher 1 focused on drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Our lab sits at the intersection of molecular biology, advanced cellular modeling, and therapeutic development. This position will design and execute bench-scale research projects and develop complex multicellular models, while providing targeted support for manuscript and grant preparation.

Primary Responsibilities

90% of Time (approx. 18 hours/week) - Research & Drug Discovery Pipeline

• Support PI in designing and executing bench-scale research projects, targeting therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration.
• Assist with development and maintenance of cell cultures and multicellular assemblies, specifically neuron-glial spheroids.
• Utilize molecular biology techniques and specialized biophysical assays, including Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measurements, to evaluate drug candidates.
• Under guidance of PI, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data to drive the drug discovery timeline forward.

10% of Time (approx. 2 hours/week) - Scientific Communication & Grant Support

• Contribute to the drafting, editing, and submission of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Assist in the preparation and writing of federal, state, and private foundation grant proposals.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Work Environment: In-person at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities East Bank campus

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This is a part-time temporary position. It is possible this position might be extended depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position, and meeting standard University employment requirements.

Required:

• BA/BS degree in Biomedical Engineering or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Demonstrated experience with, or strong theoretical understanding of, FRET measurements.
• Strong technical writing skills with an aptitude for contributing to scientific literature or grant components.
• Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to manage a bench project independently within a part-time schedule.

Preferred:

• Prior experience working specifically with multicellular assemblies or 3D culture systems (e.g., spheroids or organoids).
• Prior experience assisting with published scientific papers or grant applications.
• Background knowledge in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS).

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is an academic unit of the College of Science and Engineering that administers biomedical engineering degree programs at all levels (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral). While research possibilities among the graduate faculty span the full spectrum of biomedical engineering, the Department has established interests in cardiovascular, neural, and cancer engineering. We seek to focus growth and excellence in these research areas as we grow.

Pay Range: $21.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

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.

Required application materials: Resume required

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.