Rsch Pro 3-Biomed Research

Position Overview:

This position supports NIH- and DoD-aligned research within a multidisciplinary center focused on developing and evaluating innovative acute trauma care technologies and training through academic, industry, and military partnerships. The laboratory investigates extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated mechanisms of lung, endothelial, and epithelial injury and repair following trauma, hemorrhage, and resuscitation, with the goal of improving outcomes from the point of injury through early post-injury care.
The Center's mission is to reduce mortality and long-term disability among Minnesotans and members of the armed forces by advancing deployable, evidence-based trauma care solutions applicable to austere, low-resource, rural, emergency, and military settings. The Scientist will contribute to rigorous, reproducible EV-focused research that bridges basic biology and translational trauma care.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

85%

• Independently maintain and culture lung, endothelial, and epithelial cells for mechanistic and translational EV studies
• Isolate, purify, and characterize extracellular vesicles from conditioned media and biological samples using standardized, reproducible workflows
• Independently perform molecular and biochemical analyses, including fluorescence microscopy, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting, to assess EV cargo and recipient cell responses
• Oversees EV functional assays to evaluate effects on cellular signaling, inflammation, and barrier function
• Provides guidance and assistance with small animal studies examining EV biodistribution, uptake, and biological activity
• Support NIH-funded projects by performing experiments and mentoring other laboratory personnel in cell culture, molecular techniques, and EV methodologies

10%

• Review and analyze current literature to remain current on emerging EV technologies, NIH guidance, and advances in pulmonary and vascular biology
• Serve as a resource for experimental design, protocol development, and methodological optimization to address specific NIH research aims
• Oversees implementation of new technologies and approaches that enhance rigor, reproducibility, and translational relevance
• Participate in technical training and continuing education related to advanced molecular and EV techniques

5%

• Develop and execute collaboration actively with investigators and staff across multiple NIH-supported laboratories
• Manage accurate and detailed experimental records in accordance with NIH data management and record-keeping expectations
• Oversee laboratory workflows by ordering and managing reagents and supplies
• Develops complex written summaries of experimental results and participates in data interpretation discussions with the principal investigator
• Provide guidance and resources to manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations by drafting methods sections, generating figures, and providing experimental data

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field with at least 4 years of relevant laboratory research experience, OR a combination of education and research experience totaling at least 8 years
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture, including primary cells and immortalized cell lines
• Demonstrated ability to characterize cellular phenotypes and responses using quantitative and reproducible methods
• Preparation of media, enzymes, and solutions under sterile conditions
• Experience performing molecular and biochemical analyses, including:
  • Fluorescence and confocal microscopy
  • RT-qPCR
  • Western blot analysis
• Familiarity with experimental design, controls, and data interpretation consistent with NIH rigor and reproducibility guidelines
• Experience working with or alongside small vertebrate animal models
• Proficiency with common data analysis and documentation software
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving research priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required by experimental timelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with extracellular vesicle isolation, purification, and characterization, including techniques such as differential ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, density gradients, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and/or EV flow cytometry
• Familiarity with MISEV guidelines and best practices for EV reporting and experimental validation
• Experience performing EV functional assays assessing inflammation, barrier integrity, signaling pathways, or cellular uptake
• Experience working with lung, endothelial, and/or epithelial cell systems
• Background in pulmonary biology, vascular biology, inflammation, or translational disease modeling
• Experience with vertebrate animal research approval processes (IACUC) and regulatory compliance

The Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma is a translational research center dedicated to trauma and critically ill patients that advances biologic discovery, develops novel treatments for hemorrhage and organ failure, and educates providers across the spectrum of care-from austere environments to definitive care.
Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.
Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $23.35-$49.38 hourly ($48,568-$102,710.40 annually); 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).