Researcher 3

Summary of position: The Minnesota Muscle Lab is seeking a Researcher 3 to help coordinate and assist with projects focused on early-phase drug discovery and translational research for heart disease and other muscle disorders, including leading biosensor development and cell culture for multiple NIH-funded projects.
The Thomas Lab is located in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and housed in Nils Hasselmo Hall. Our work focuses on molecular dynamics of energy transduction in muscle health and disease, using site-directed spectroscopic probes to understand the fundamental molecular motions and interactions responsible for cellular movement, to determine the molecular bases of muscle disorders, and to devise novel therapies based on these discoveries. We use magnetic resonance or optical spectroscopy to detect motions of muscle proteins and muscle ion pumps and channels, and use these tools to test the efficacy of gene or drug therapies designed to treat heart failure, muscular dystrophy, or Alzheimer's. To learn more about our lab, please visit our website: https://cbs.umn.edu/thomas-lab

40% Biosensor Design
Plan, design, and generate recombinant DNA constructs for creating stable clones using primer design, PCR, ligation, site-directed mutagenesis, restriction digests, and similar techniques. Characterize expression via western blot and flow cytometry. Maintain and manage recombinant DNA database and stocks. Research and design new cloning and strategies as needed.

40% Protein Expression
Plan and design expression strategies for new cell lines expressing novel proteins. Generate, grow, characterize, and maintain stable cell lines expressing fluorescently labelled proteins in HEK cells. Perform regular quality control tests on cultures and inventory of cell banks. Research and design new protein expression strategies as needed.

10% High-Throughput Assays for Drug Discovery
Prepare reconstituted fluorescently-labeled membrane proteins, perform microplate-based assays for enzymatic activity and protein-protein interactions, trouble-shoot and improve functional assays. Employee will be trained in state-of-the-art technology in both absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy using high-density microplate arrays, plus computational and statistical analysis.

10% Lab Maintenance, Meetings, Reports
Perform basic maintenance of laboratory equipment and order supplies and parts. Place orders for needed reagents and materials for experiments. Present research at lab and weekly meetings. Analyze data and prepare reports for group meetings and grant applications as needed.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field, plus two years of research lab experience, or a combination of education and work experience to equal six years.
• Previous mammalian tissue culture experience.
• Laboratory experience with common molecular biology techniques including site-directed mutagenesis, cloning, primer design, enzyme assays, and reagent preparation.
• Ability to carry out research protocols from written or oral instructions by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with nucleotide sequence analysis and challenging cloning projects highly preferred.
• Experience with HEK cells preferred and previous flow cytometry experience a plus.

BMBB:
The department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer; developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology; and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics. We organize ourselves into research divisions with emphases on Chemical and Structural Biology, Metabolic and Systems Biology, Molecular Biology and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. We are housed in new buildings with state-of-the-art research and support facilities.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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-UOHR (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.