Research Professional 4 - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Summary:
Recognized as an expert in research field. 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. Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex, solution-resistant situations. Coordinates research efforts for the entire laboratory including managing equipment, supply chains and personnel. Also manages a large complex research project. Additionally, develops their own research projects performing experiments, analyzing data, and writing drafts of manuscripts. Supervisory responsibilities including authority to assign work, oversee and direct the work of staff.

Responsibilities:
65%: Manage a large complex research project with collaborators within and outside the U of M and several people within the lab. This work supports a more comprehensive understanding of fungal pathogenesis and drug resistance that will be critical for the design of novel therapeutic strategies. The individual will design and conduct complex, multi-step laboratory procedures to engineer, manipulate, and phenotype yeast cells. They will perform molecular, genetic, and microbiology techniques and will be expected to select and adapt methods to meet specific research needs and to assist in development of new techniques. They will employ a wide variety of experimental techniques including but not limited to CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering, yeast mating and selection, yeast transformation, flow cytometry, DNA and RNA extractions, primer design and PCR, gel electrophoresis, tissue culture, and mouse experiments.

25%: Writes and edits manuscripts and grant proposals. Independently develops research projects for grant proposals related to Candida virulence, pathogenesis and drug resistance. As part of these projects they will perform experiments, analyze data, write drafts of manuscripts for publishing, and collaborate with PI and other lab members to contribute to the preparation of grant applications. The researcher will be expected to read relevant scientific literature as suggested by the investigation and to identify relevant facts, techniques, and procedures from the primary literature.

10%: Manage and Supervision of Lab Researchers, including Researcher 1, graduate and undergraduate student employees. Provide support to scientists in the laboratory and conduct investigation in an assigned area to aid in the solution of a research problem and prepare data for publication. Manage day to day laboratory operations. Ensure that the lab is properly stocked and clean. Oversee the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment and provide training.

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS and at least 5 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years or advanced degree plus 3 years of experience.
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.

Preferred Qualifications:
At least one year of experience in maintenance of mouse colonies/working with Candida engineering and computational genomic analyses.
Experience with flow cytometry and/or fluorescence microscopy.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a community of scholars committed to discovering and disseminating knowledge about the microbial world. Our interests and expertise encompass some of the most exciting areas of contemporary microbiology and immunology, ranging from the physiology and development of microorganisms, the molecular pathogenesis of infections, and fundamental aspects of immunity.

Pay Range: $33.00 to $35.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: % 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).