Graduate Research Assistant

The Research Assistant (RA) position supports the mission of the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) and The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, by contributing to cancer biology and molecular medicine research. This position is jointly supervised by Dr. Yuk Sham (UMR) and Dr. Tianshun Zhang (The Hormel Institute), with support shared equally. Half of the RA support will be provided by Dr. Sham through UMR and half by Dr. Zhang through The Hormel Institute.

The RA will begin in an early training stage and focus on developing foundational skills in both computational and experimental research. Through structured mentorship, the RA will support ongoing projects that integrate bioinformatics analysis, molecular biology, and translational cancer research. Over time, responsibilities may expand to more independent work as the student develops competency and project needs evolve. Training and bioinformatics support will be coordinated through UMR under Dr. Sham's supervision. Laboratory work and additional research training will be conducted at The Hormel Institute, Austin, Minnesota, under Dr. Zhang's supervision. The position is expected to work up to four days per week at the The Hormel Institute during regular business hours. This position is covered by the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 1105. Appointments are offered each semester according to UMN academic calendars. The deadline to apply is September 12.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Bioinformatics Training and Analysis - 40%

* Learn and apply basic computer aided drug discovery and bioinformatics tools to screening target inhibitors, analyze genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
* Conduct quality control, preprocessing, and basic statistical analysis of sequencing data.
* Development and management of in-silico screening libraries
* In-silico discovery, design, and optimization of therapeutic agents
* Assist in generating visualizations, figures, and tables for ongoing research projects.

Wet Laboratory Training and Techniques - 40%

* Gain hands-on training in cell culture techniques (aseptic technique, maintenance of cell lines).
* Perform basic molecular biology assays, including RT-PCR and Western blotting.
* Learn immunohistochemistry protocols under supervision, contributing to tissue and biomarker studies.
* Assistance with animal studies, such as xenograft and UV-induced skin cancer.
* Assist with data collection and organization for experiments.

Research Support and Development - 15%

* Participate in lab meetings and discussions, providing updates on training progress.
* Perform literature research to support project development.
* Assist with experimental planning, data entry, and record keeping in lab notebooks.
* Support collaborative projects under joint mentorship (Dr. Sham & Dr. Zhang).

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

* Assist with general lab maintenance and organization.
* Support administrative tasks related to training, research compliance, and safety.

Flexible Work Location Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One.
Flexible Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's Degree
* Registered in a graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree program at the University of Minnesota

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research institution within the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office. Established in 1942, our mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture, specifically by understanding, treating, and controlling cancer and other chronic diseases. The Hormel Institute serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the local community, the State of Minnesota, and beyond. We are located in the uniquely diverse rural community of Austin, MN, conveniently only 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusive excellence, supportive employee practices, and encourages diversity of thought that drives innovation and creativity in our science.

Pay Range: $31.72-$32.84 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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)

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