Biomedical Cancer Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences needs an experienced researcher to support collaborative cancer research. This content expert will apply their experience to collaborate with the research team and external partners to bolster interdisciplinary molecular biology research by generating manuscripts and processed data files to be submitted for peer review; they will develop the materials into sections for extramural grant submission. The position requires creativity, independence and development of new approaches and demonstrated ability to anticipate pitfalls and unexpected outcomes and the ability to articulate the significance of the work in the broad terms of biomedical sciences. The term of the position is 3-6 months dependent upon funding.

Location and Work Environment 

• ASVM Building, St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. 
• Hybrid opportunity with on- and off-campus communications with the Boris-Lawrie Lab.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, typically daytime hours. 
• This position will last for 3-6 months. 

Appointment Term 

• 3 to 6 months, dependent upon adequate funding 

Essential Employee Designation 

• Non-Essential Employee 

Visa Sponsorship 

• This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship. 

Job Responsibilities

The position is with Prof Kathleen Boris-Lawrie of the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department to support collaborative cancer research with her research team and partners, and fits within a hybrid workflow. 

100%- Research 

• Presentations and discussions of research results and biomedical literature with the lab team and collaborators 
• Preparation of manuscripts, rebuttals, and submission for peer review 
• Preparation of grant sections and submissions 

Required Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in biomedical sciences/biochemistry with a substantial research and publication record
• History of applicable research 

Preferred Qualifications 

• PhD in the biomedical sciences/biochemistry
• Postdoctoral experience in cancer and virology

The biomedical research within the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences encompasses Infectious and Chronic Disease Biology with emphasis on basic research of fundamental mechanisms, preventing zoonotic transmission and applying insights from comparative medicine.

By using retrovirus models, the Boris-Lawrie lab investigates the molecular basis that infection disrupts the cell's protein synthesis machinery. This fundamental knowledge determines whether or not physiologic stresses culminate in pathology or, in the case of a resilient host - recovery. 

Their studies of HIV and other retroviruses unveiled sabotage to the cell's protein synthesis machinery and also, the hosts ability to recover from this stress. Investigations exposed and characterized a specialized protein synthesis pathway licensed by RNA-cap hypermethylation that enables hosts to recover from viral sabotage and physiological stressors. Since some cancers can recover from chemotherapeutic stress, specialized translation is being investigated in chemoresistant cells. Our long term goal is to control specialized translation to counter the resilience of these cancers. \https://retrovrna.umn.edu/ 

Pay Range: $103,000 - $106,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.