Research Technician

The position is in the laboratory of Christina A. Pacak, Ph.D. in the Neurology Department at the University of Minnesota. The Pacak laboratory is performing pre-clinical work to support a translational Cockayne syndrome gene therapy program at the University of Minnesota. The lab uses in vivo animal models and differentiated iPSCs to pursue these investigations.

This position will perform AAV-mediated gene delivery studies in a mouse model of xeroderma pigmentosum Cockayne syndrome - XP-CS (promoter, capsid, and delivery route comparison studies), participate in laboratory meetings, presenting in rotation with other laboratory members, work with other laboratory members in a team science environment, maintain detailed and well-organized records of daily experiments, and process data in preparation for grants and publications. This position is temporary, 1-2 year, maybe more depending on funding.

Activities will fall within the following areas with estimated effort distribution:

Research Activities: 90%
-Assist in the planning of research activities, the design and execution of laboratory experiments, and review/interpretation of results in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, and other team members.
-Oversee and monitor the implementation of research timeline(s). Provide regular updates to the Principal Investigator.
-Conduct gene therapy experiments following established laboratory methods in mice.
-Manage mouse colonies (breeding, genotyping) used for these studies.
-Work with other laboratory members to develop methods and techniques to troubleshoot errors or optimize studies when needed.
-Complete plasmid purification related activities, RNA and DNA isolation related activities, and perform real-time PCR related activities with moderate to minimal supervision.
-Perform protein studies, expression assays, etc.
-Perform immunohistochemistry and staining on tissue sections followed by microscopy.
-Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results.

Laboratory Management/Regulatory Compliance: 5%
-Help to ensure regulatory compliance for lab activities.
-Order and reconcile of laboratory supplies in advance of planned experiments.
-Coordinate lab activities/schedule to achieve research objectives.
-Maintaining, update and follow laboratory Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) as needed to remain in compliance with UMN Environmental Health & Safety office.

Scholarly/Administrative Work: 5%
-Conduct data analysis and present findings/outcomes to the Principal Investigator
-Process data and draft figures for technical reports, research papers, scholarly articles, grant proposals, presentations, and abstracts

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required qualifications
-BA/BS degree in molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
-Excellent attention to detail and intellectual curiosity
-Willingness and ability to learn new skills
-Excellent communication skills
-Organized - good record keeping abilities
-Demonstrated expertise in working with DNA, RNA, tissue slices, and protein samples
-Experience with mouse studies

To learn more, please visit the Department of Neurology's website at https://med.umn.edu/neurology

Pay Range: $27/hr -$28/hr; 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.

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