Senior Lab Scientist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Lab Information:
This position is available in Dr. Fang Li's lab in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The lab's research focuses on the cell entry mechanisms of viruses with pandemic potential, including coronaviruses, filoviruses, and others, as well as developing drugs and vaccines to block viral entry. The lab uses structural and biochemical approaches to achieve these goals, without growing or handling the viruses themselves. To learn more about Dr. Li's research, please visit https://structure.umn.edu/.

Summary:
Under general direction of the PI or senior lab members, carries out and coordinates complex research activities within PI-directed projects involving structural studies of viral entry proteins and development of entry inhibitors targeting viral entry proteins. Works with the PI or senior lab members to plan experiments, optimize protocols, troubleshoot technical problems, coordinate laboratory operations, train junior personnel, and support higher-level laboratory and grant management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
80% - Research
Under general direction of the PI or senior lab members, conducts and coordinates assigned
components of research projects investigating the structure and function of viral entry proteins and developing entry inhibitors, including nanobodies and small-molecule compounds, that target viral entry proteins. Works with the PI or senior lab members to plan and prioritize experiments, optimize and troubleshoot protocols, interpret and summarize data, and prepare figures, tables, and written summaries for manuscripts, presentations, and grant reports. Performs and refines techniques including molecular cloning, mammalian/insect/bacterial cell culture, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, and protein biochemistry assays. May take primary responsibility for defined
experimental workflows or components of larger research projects, while overall project direction remains with the PI, with day-to-day guidance from the PI or senior lab members.
10% - Laboratory Operations and Training
In coordination with the PI or senior lab members, supports laboratory operations to promote safety, efficiency, and research productivity. Responsibilities include organizing lab space and resources, planning purchasing and inventory needs, coordinating equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, training and providing day-to-day guidance to undergraduates, technicians, and less experienced staff, and helping resolve operational issues involving equipment, workflow, staff coordination, and resource allocation.
10% - Administrative, Grant, and Project Management Support
Supports the PI or senior lab members with administrative, grant, and project management activities, including helping plan project timelines, assisting with budget allocation and tracking, preparing progress-report or grant-related materials, documenting compliance-related activities, and identifying laboratory changes that improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
 

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field, plus at least four years of related experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field preferred. Experience optimizing or troubleshooting molecular biology, cell culture, protein purification, or protein biochemistry workflows is preferred. Experience with recombinant protein expression, mammalian, insect, or bacterial cell culture, chromatography-based protein purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, bacterial transformation, western blotting, or related molecular biology
techniques is also preferred. Qualified candidates should have excellent oral and written
communication skills; the ability to work with general supervision from the PI or senior lab members, think critically about their research, and help guide less experienced staff; excellent organizational skills; enthusiasm; creativity; and motivation to learn.

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota is one of six basic science departments in the Medical School. The well-funded research programs of our primary faculty members focus on understanding and developing better treatments for cancer, addiction and the opioid crisis, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and metabolic syndrome. We also offer an undergraduate Pharmacology Minor, oversee the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program (MPaT), teach fundamental principles of pharmacology to students in professional degree programs (MD, DDS, and MD/PhD), and provide individualized training experiences for our strong community of postdoctoral scholars. Our past trainees are now applying their skills to impactful careers in academia, medicine, industry, government, law, and regulatory oversight. We are proud of our role in preparing the next generation of scientists for rewarding careers in the health sciences and related professions, and for the various other ways we give back to our community.

Pay Range: $32.08-$36.35; 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

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.