Rearch Professional 2

This position is in the lab of Dr. Frank Cichocki. Our lab focuses on the use generation and use of induced pluripotent stem-cell derived natural killer cells to study basic NK cell biology and to inform the development of clinical-grade NK cell therapies to target specific cancers. Applicants will be performing cell culture and differentiation of iPSCs, expansion of differentiated iPSC NK cells and maintenance and storage of feeders and terminally expanded cell products. This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. This position is funded for 1 year.

Responsibilities:

Function 1 (40 %): Differentiation of iPSC to CD34+ cells
This requires extensive knowledge of differentiation procedures and maintenance/quality control of OP9 feeder cells and custom formulated media as well as an understanding of the appropriate cell morphology and phenotype during differentiation.

Function 2 (40 %): Expansion of CD34+ cells to terminally expanded iNK
Differentiated cells are expanded using K562 feeders according to a strictly defined protocol. Expanding cell phenotype must be watched closely by flow cytometric analysis.

Function 3 (20 %): Production and maintenance of feeder cell stocks
Expansion and maintenance of feeder stocks are critical to this role. Feeder cell cultures must be continuously maintained to ensure sufficient stocks are available for all experiments. Cells also require irradiation and making frozen stocks consistent with internal protocols.

Required qualifications:

-BA/BS degree in biology, genetics or related field plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
-Experience differentiating and expanding iPSC derived immune cells
-Proficiency in cell culture and flow cytometry
-Sterile technique

Preferred qualifications:

-Previous experience in a research setting.
-Attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot problems
-Good communication and technical writing skills
-FlowJo proficiency

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to cancer research, education, and patient care for the citizens of Minnesota and the surrounding region. Since the time of the first award in 1997, there has been consistent growth of the membership and research base, enabling our center to further advance our knowledge and enhance care for our catchment area. We are driven to be the choice academic healthcare environment for patients, clinicians, scientists and students who seek exceptional, compassionate, precision cancer therapy; innovative clinical trials and prevention programs; cutting-edge research opportunities; and outstanding advanced education.

Pay Range: $45,000 - $48,000; 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.

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).