Research Pro 1-Preclinical Research - Department of Neuroscience

The Noel Lab (noel-lab.org) in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota is seeking a full-time Research Assistant. This position is ideal for a recent graduate (B.A. or B.S.) or an individual with one to two years of experience as a research assistant in a rodent systems neuroscience laboratory who is looking to gain additional experience prior to pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Science, or Psychology. More senior candidates interested in a longer-term staff or senior scientist role are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Noel separately.

Primary responsibilities include:
* Rodent stereotaxic surgeries using aseptic technique (e.g., craniotomies)
* In vivo extracellular neurophysiology with silicon probes (e.g., Neuropixels)
* Rodent handling and behavioral shaping for head-fixed experiments
* Rodent husbandry, ordering, and coordination with veterinary staff
* Troubleshooting experimental setups and communicating issues to the Lab Director or Lab Engineer
* Maintaining water and weight logs
* Ordering laboratory supplies
* Spike sorting
* Perfusions and histology for probe localization, including work with the university imaging core
* Assistance with protocol preparation and IACUC compliance

The successful candidate will participate in all stages of experimental neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and neural data collection, small-animal surgery, and coordination with veterinary and IACUC personnel.

Job Responsibilities
80% Rodent Research and Daily Operations
* Perform rodent surgeries using aseptic techniques
* Conduct neurophysiological recordings
* Handle and behaviorally shape rodents for head-fixed tasks
* Conduct routine rodent husbandry and coordinate with veterinary staff
* Maintain water and weight logs
* Perform histology and probe-track reconstruction

20% Laboratory Management
* Order laboratory materials and supplies
* Troubleshoot equipment and experimental setups
* Coordinate with administrative staff on IACUC protocols and laboratory maintenance

Responsibilities may be adjusted based on the candidate's skills and interests.

Salary Range: $41,600-$60,800 per year
Start Date: January 5, 2026, or as negotiated with the selected candidate.

Required Qualifications Minimum
* B.A. or B.S. or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
* Experience handling rodents and shaping behavior
* Experience with rodent surgery and aseptic technique
* Experience performing perfusions

Preferred
* Experience with neurophysiological recordings
* Familiarity with MATLAB and/or Python
* Experience managing IACUC protocols

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

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

Pay Range: $20.00per hour - $29.23per hour ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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).