Research Professional 2

Researcher Professional 2 (8352P2)

The Division of TMD and Orofacial Pain at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (UMN SOD) is seeking a highly motivated bachelor's degree holder to be part of our research team. The principal investigator (PI) is Dr. Estephan J. Moana-Filho, a dentist-scientist who provides clinical care to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain (OFP) patients who is highly motivated to better understand brain mechanisms involved in OFP conditions, with a focus on chronic TMD pain.

We use a systems neuroscience approach that includes methods such as multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (structural, diffusion, resting and stimulus-evoked functional MRI, perfusion), sensory testing (static and dynamic) and psychosocial/behavioral measures (questionnaires, clinical measures, teeth clenching tasks, etc.). Our goal is to identify brain mechanisms involved in the chronicity of TMD pain. We expect that this knowledge will support the development of improved diagnostic and prognostic markers to be used in individualized preventive and treatment strategies, leading to reduced health care costs and better quality of life for patients.

Job Duties and Responsibilities 100%:
* Conduct research visits for studies led by the PI and/or collaborators, including tasks such as screening, eligibility determination, questionnaire administration, sensory/behavioral testing, drug/pregnancy testing, and MRI data collection
* Act as liaison for study participants for purposes of study recruitment, scheduling study sessions, managing human subject payments, and related issues
* Assist with setup and associated procedures related to study data collection including at the MRI scanner
* Assist in data storage, entry, and verification for ongoing research efforts using paper and electronic records
* Perform equipment maintenance, cleaning and disinfection
* Lead the training of new laboratory personnel (including postdocs, staff, and students) in the above
* Assist with preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, revisions, continuing reviews, and other regulatory processes related to research projects.
* Perform data quality assurance and take necessary actions to reconcile any discrepancies in records or missing data
* Independence for technical and operational problem solving, under the guidance of the PI as needed

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree with major in neuroscience, physiology, psychology or related majors (pre-dental, pre-med, etc.) and 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and experience to equal 6 years.
2. Previous experience in either patient care coordination and/or conducting research projects including human participants
3. Intermediate to advanced skills in using office suite software: Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, Apple iWork

Desired qualifications:
1. Familiarity with coding using one or more of the following: R, Python, Matlab, Unix/Linux environment and bash scripting

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate should have a passion for self-learning, be inquisitive, proactive in problem-solving and initiative to seek out any resources necessary to help achieve research projects' goals.

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 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

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) 624-8647.

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).