Research Professional 4

About the Job

20% Process and Distribute Research Donor Tissues:

• Evaluate research-eligible tissue based on clinical features and medical/social history for various research projects.
• Coordinate with on-call donor coordinators and recovery technicians to provide customized services, including specialty procurements, tissue preservations and processing based on client's criteria in a timely fashion.
• Perform donor eye dissection, photography, imaging analysis and documentation on dissected tissue.
• Assist in tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining services in collaboration with the Histology Core Facility at the University of Minnesota.
• Cultivate ocular cells extracted from donor tissues for in vitro expansion and cryopreservation.
• Package and distribute processed tissues and cells to research clients, either by delivery in person or via courier services.

60% Conduct internal research projects and contracted preclinical studies:

• Characterize limbal stem cells and Descemet's membrane using techniques such as cell viability assay, microscopy techniques, immunostaining, Western blot and RT-PCR (in vitro culture and animal studies). Maintain study records and perform data/image analyses.
• Track project progress and report to the Medical Director and Research and Development Director.
• Identify areas of improvements and test new methodologies for patent applications.
• Develop processing techniques and transplant-related products for intellectual property and revenue generation.
• Present research findings at ophthalmology, cornea and eye bank conferences.
• Assist manuscripts preparation for publication in cornea and eye bank journals.

10% Documentation and Intellectual property applications:

• Assist the Research and Development Director in analyzing and summarizing study results to support decisions on intellectual property applications, clinical study reports, and publications.
• Maintain study SOP, COA, and other regulatory documentation.
• Help develop training documents and investigator's brochures and prepare materials for regulatory requirement.

10% Laboratory supplies ordering, logistics and instrument monitoring:

• Ordering of lab supplies necessary for ongoing research projects.
• Perform scheduled maintenance, instrument and equipment.
• Monitor and troubleshoot lab equipment functionality.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, stem cell research, or a related life sciences field or related field, plus five (5) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
• Proficient in cellular and molecular biology techniques, including immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy.
• Dissection skills with human or animal tissues.
• Demonstrated work experience with mice and/or rats.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines in a human tissue laboratory.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in FACS, MACS, ELISA and bead array techniques.
• Working experience in stem cell biology.
• Proficiency using a computer and word processing, spreadsheet and image processing software.
  

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and its success is built upon the innovation and drive of every member of our team, from faculty to administrators to technicians. Put simply, all of us are driven to provide the best eye care for our patients, discover new treatments, and educate the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information, please visit our website at https://med.umn.edu/Ophthalmology.

Lions Gift of Sight (formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) was established after the partnership between the Lions and the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences came to life in 1960, providing donor eye tissue for transplant, research, and teaching and promoting donation through education. Lions Gift of Sight has helped restore sight to more than 22,000 people by providing cornea tissue for transplantation and is one of the largest and most successful eye banks in the world.

For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.lionsgiftofsight.org/

Pay Range: Competitive salary range of $31.57 to $33.90 per hour, with most offers starting at $31.57. Applicants who meet all required and preferred qualifications may earn a maximum of $33.90 per hour, though most offers will align towards the starting rate.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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, pharmacy and disability plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• 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).