Scientific Researcher (Res 2) - Department of Surgery

at  University of Minnesota

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, microbial ecology, computational biology or a related field with at least one year of research experience orequivalent combination of work and education experience to equal five years.
• Willingness to work with animal models.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques and animalmodels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and database management.

Classification and title: 8352R2, Researcher 2
Working title: Scientific Researcher
Percent time: 100%
Work hours: 40/week
Term: A – 12 month appt.
College/admin unit: Medical school – TC campus
Department/division: Surgery
Campus location: Minneapolis
Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated scientist to manage and lead microbiome research projects in the Staley lab in the Department of Surgery. The researcher will serve as a primary contact for designated projects and assist with maintaining lab protocols and workflows as well as regulatory paperwork. They will work closely with the Surgery Clinical Trials office to facilitate distribution and collection of study materials. Lab responsibilities include same-day processing of stool samples, extractions for DNA/RNA- and metabolomics-based analyses, and overseeing mouse studies. The position is highly collaborative and will also involve collaboration with other physicians and scientists within the department and Medical School. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented critical thinker able to organize several projects occurring simultaneously and facilitate completion of studies in an ethical, rigorous, and timely manner. Independent work is expected, but the researcher will also work closely with and receive guidance and
support from the PI and other lab members. There will be ample opportunities to build skills in microbiome and computational biology and the researcher can expect to be
included on multiple peer-reviewed publications with opportunities for advancement.
About the department: The Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to clinical excellence, pioneering research, and the
education of surgical leaders. The Division of Basic & Translational Research, within the department, comprises an intellectually diverse subgroup of nonclinical specialists that
represent a wide-ranging skill set. Dr. Staley is a recently tenured Associate Professor with a strong record of publication and mentorship.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Jar8rCzj6gkz/bibliography/public/
https://staleylab.dl8.umn.edu
Duties and responsibilities:

Study coordination (40%)

• Work collaboratively with PIs to understand study design and sample collection

strategies

• Prepare necessary buffers, media, and sample collection kits and facilitate distribution
• Coordinate with clinical staff and the Surgery Clinical Trials Office for sample collection
• Maintain organized spreadsheets of all data using Microsoft Excel

Experiments and Sample Processing (40%)

• Coordinate and perform mouse experiments including fecal sample collection and

necropsy, and work with technical personnel involved in mouse care and experiments

• Work with PI to develop and maintain laboratory protocols, supplies and equipment and

recommend purchases as necessary

• Organization, cataloging, and archiving of samples from multiple projects
• Consult on and perform automated DNA extraction of patient samples, including low

biomass samples (e.g., biopsy, serum, etc.); work with the sequencing core to submit

samples

• Work with core facilities to perform metabolomics experiments using mass

spectrometry approaches

Training and compliance (20%)

• Maintain and submit IRB and IACUC protocols
• Oversee lab safety training and protocols

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.
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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)

Please refer the Job description for details