Research Professional 1 - Hua Zhao Lab

This position is a temporary posted Civil Service position with an anticipated initial end date of 12/27/26

Position Overview:

This position will provide technical research support for the Hua Zhao Research Lab in the Dept. of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota. The research of the Zhao lab integrates biocatalysis tools to convert natural resources into valuable bioproducts and mitigate environmental pollutants.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

90% - Research

• Assist a graduate student to conduct experiments on environmental removal of phenolic compounds.
• Evaluate different enzymes for enzymatic removal of various phenolic compounds
• Analyze samples using instruments including HPLL and LC-MS
• Maintain laboratory instruments
• Other research duties as assigned

10% Lab Participation

• Participate as an active member of the lab, supporting all tasks as needed to support the research team
• Attend and participate in all activities or meetings organized by the lab
• Enforce laboratory safety

Work Environment: In person

Location: University of Minnesota, Saint Paul campus

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 20 hours per week

Required Qualifications:

• BS degree in science and engineering, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
• Completed at least one-year of general college-level chemistry courses
• Prior hands-on experience in chemistry laboratory
• Demonstrated skills in various analytical tools for small molecule characterizations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in organic chemistry
• Experience in working with graduate and undergraduate students in research projects

Pay Range: $26.58 - $27.94 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment, Temporary

Position Type: Civil-Service

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
• 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.