Research Biologist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About the Job
This research position is within the Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care, in the vascular biology laboratory of Dr. Eric Wise. Our mission is to develop and evaluate innovative, effective acute trauma care from point of injury through early post-injury in austere, low resource, rural, and emergency care settings. We also work in understanding the physiology and mechanisms of sepsis in the vasculature. This role is highly hand-on and involves coordinating complex large-animal surgical experiments, managing tissues in real time, and balancing wet lab assays with post experimental data analysis. Create a multidisciplinary, translational research center that brings together trauma and emergency care research across the state of Minnesota and develops faculty and trainee research careers.

This position supports pre-clinical research within the Center, funded by the Department of Defense. Successful candidates must be able to independently execute multi-step experimental protocols, anticipate challenges, and troubleshoot in real time with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities:

Experimental Research (70%)

The research program employs an integrated, translational experimental approach utilizing large animal (porcine) models, rodent models, and cell culture systems, combined with muscle bath, genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic technologies to answer lab-specific questions related to vascular biology, trauma physiology, and sepsis mechanisms.

Large Animal (Porcine) Studies

• Extensive involvement in large animal (porcine) surgical procedures in an operating room setting, including long, time-sensitive experimental days
• Manage large animal procedures, including perioperative support, drug administration, and coordination with surgical teams in compliance with IACUC protocols
• Collect and analyze tissue, blood, and organ samples for downstream molecular and functional analysis

Rodent Model Studies

• Conduct rodent surgical procedures and experimental protocols
• Manage small animal (rodent) procedures, including perioperative care and drug administration in compliance with IACUC protocols
• Collect and analyze pre-clinical data from rodent models to validate and complement large animal findings

Vascular Reactivity and Muscle Bath Systems

• Maintain and utilize muscle/organ bath systems for vascular reactivity studies across human samples large animal, rodent, and isolated vessel preparations Cell Culture, and Molecular Analysis
• Perform cell culture and molecular and tissue analysis to assess vascular and inflammatory responses, including proteomic analysis, genomic analysis, imunohistochemistry (IHC) and
  Metabolomic sample preparation
• Conduct experiments using animal and human samples and associated data.

Collaboration, Model Development, and Mentorship

• Collaborate with the Experimental Surgery teams
• Troubleshoot technical and experimental issues in real time
• Evaluate and optimize new and developing experimental models.
• Able to work in team setup as well as Independently.
• Train and mentor graduate and medical students, ensuring adherence to protocols and safety standards
• Occasional overnight experiments depending on study design

Data Analysis and Management (25%) 

• Perform data entry; manage and maintain detailed records of experiments and procedures
• Perform basic statistical analysis of data using available software
• Generate and disseminate experiment reports to research teams and collaborators
• Manage sample repository, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and tracking of biological specimens and lab data
   

Additional duties (5%) 

• Works under general supervision with ongoing R&D operations as time allows
• Other duties as required
  • Potential visits to animal lab at USUHS (Washington, DC) and/ or Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) for training and collaborative studies
  • Participate and Present in Seminars and Nationally Renowned Conferences
     

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years
• Previous experience in a research setting
• Must be able to stand at a laboratory bench and Operation Room for extended periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Must be willing to work in a large animal OR; must have experience in large animal management, including husbandry, drug administration to animals, working with IACUC, and performing procedures
• Must be willing to take an occasional overnight shift
• Ideally have supervisory experience in animal management

Preferred qualifications:

• MS or higher, with 2 years of related in a biological lab, or a related field of science
• Interest in biomarker and/or pre-clinical research
• Familiarity with vascular biology and/or muscle/organ bath use

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

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. 

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery

Pay Range: $55,390.40-$73,000; 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

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.

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.