Temporary Entry Level Neuroscience Research Jobs

Job Duties/Responsibilities:
This position is in a laboratory involved in defining the pathologic mechanisms and therapies for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) using cellular and transgenic mouse models. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator/Postdoctoral Scientists/Graduate Students/Technicians by performing procedures such as basic molecular biology (DNA purification, PCR), care of mouse models, basic biochemical analysis, and histological analysis.
(50% effort) Analysis of mouse models:  The duties will include preparation of mouse brains for sectioning, obtaining frozen sections or paraffin sections, basic histology, immunocytochemistry, and basic quantitative analysis of stained sections using Stereolgy system, ImageJ, or HALO.  Additional duties will include performing RNAscope staining of paraffin sections for imaging by the senior staff. 
(20% effort). Establishing and maintaining mouse lines:  The duties will include genotyping, which may involve DNA extraction from mouse tails or ear punch and PCR analysis of transgene. The duties will also include basic behavioral analysis and administering experimental drugs/compounds to the mice.  Additional duties will be euthanizing and harvesting mouse brain.
(20% effort).  General biochemical analysis of cells and mouse tissues.  The duties will include tissue homogenization, prepare lysates for immunoblot analysis, and performing immunoblot detection of SDS-PAGE separated proteins.  Additional duties may include isolation of nuclei for RNAseq analysis.  
(10% effort). General Laboratory:  Duties will include preparation of buffers and solutions needed for experiments.  Stocking of materials. Cleaning up of laboratory areas.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience or related field (e.g. Biology, Psychology) or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.  
Must be willing to work with mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's Disease.  
Preferred Qualifications:
Laboratory experience working with rodent brains.
Familiarity with the Neurological Diseases

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
5. Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.

Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota

Pay Range: $22.00/hour to $23.50/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

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.