Rsch Pro 5-Zoology

A Research Professional 5 position is available with Dr. Peter Larsen in the College of
Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. The Larsen Lab has secured multi-year
funding to support research focused on the detection and characterization of known and novel tick-borne pathogens throughout Minnesota and Kansas. The successful candidate will assist with project management, proposal development, day-to-day logistics, and fieldwork aimed at surveying ticks and rodent hosts for zoonoses. Experience in wildlife disease biosurveillance and field-based research is required. The successful candidate will be part of an innovative, multi-disciplinary research effort aimed at deploying mobile laboratories to remote field locations (globally) for real-time mammal species barcoding and zoonotic disease surveillance and discovery. Opportunities will also exist for collaborative work on the deployment and field-based testing of portable instruments for the real-time detection of infectious prions.

The Research Professional 5 position in the Larsen Lab is available immediately. The ideal
candidate will have experience developing and managing One Health research projects with a focus on wildlife disease biosurveillance. They will also have extensive field experience with an emphasis on projects focused on assessing the spillover risk of zoonotic viruses circulating in wild mammals. Opportunities for collaborative research with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health faculty as well as the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach will be made available.

Primary responsibilities:
60% Project management, planning, and field logistics: work with project PIs to
ensure milestones are completed in a timely manner, identify funding opportunities and
assist with proposal development and grant writing, and assist with logistics associated
with the planning and execution of fieldwork.

20% Biorepository building and curation: aid in the collection of wildlife and
associated biological samples, oversee the organization, storage, and curation of
biological samples and associated metadata. Assist with securing tissue loans from
natural history collections and maintaining the Larsen Lab biorepository.

10% Molecular research: assist with the production of PCR, RT-PCR, or nanopore
sequence data.

10% Training: serve as a subject matter expert in hands-on training of students and
staff.

Required qualifications and experience
PhD in Zoology or related field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in wildlife disease biosurveillance
Experience with developing and securing federal funding, including proposal writing, data management planning, budgeting, preparing required documents for proposal
submission, and project partner coordination Program management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team of diverse stakeholders
Strong scientific writing skills with a proven record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Experience with contributing to and maintaining natural history collections

Preferred qualifications and experience
Experience leading and/or assisting with the training of personnel in project-specific research protocols
Experience conducting international-based fieldwork; prior research experience in resource-limited and/or remote field sites a plus
Experience in field biosafety and biosecurity practices, including training field personnel in the proper usage of personal protective equipment
Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills; prior experience collaborating with project partners from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds a plus
Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse environmental conditions and a strong sense of team spirit

Pay Range: $57,393.00 - $65,000.00, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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).