Biomaterials Engineer

The Working Title: Biomaterials Engineer

The Job Code : 0005 Temporary Hourly Position

The Department: Dentistry Biomaterials

The standard hours for this position:
14 hours per week

The Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics (MDRCBB) at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is seeking a Biomaterials Engineer to support its research activities. The candidate will have the opportunity to become part of a team working with award-winning and internationally recognized faculty who conduct state-of-the-art theoretical, experimental, and clinical research on dental biomaterials and biomechanics. This position will support and aid faculty by developing and testing new dental biomaterials and devices, designing and conducting experiments, and writing technical reports. The individual will also be responsible for student training as well as liaising with industrial sponsors.

This position will include, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

* Assist faculty with designing and conducting experiments for the Center's research projects
* Coordinate with Center faculty on the development of new dental materials and devices
* Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, patent applications, and grant applications
* Train staff and students on laboratory protocols
* Liaise with industrial sponsors on their R&D needs

Required Qualifications:

* A Bachelor's degree in organic chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields, and four years of relevant work experience; an advanced degree plus two years of work experience; or a combination of related education and work experience that equals eight years of relevant experience.
* Experience with experimental methods in formulating, testing, and characterization of dental biomaterials.
* Familiar with scientific equipment such as universal testing machines, hardness testers, rheometers, calorimeters, FTIR, Raman, SEM, AFM.
* Previous experience with industrial R&D projects.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

* Master's or PhD degree with proven ability to perform research

* Courses taken in:
o Polymer chemistry
o Physical chemistry
o Polymer science
o Rheology
o Interface and Adhesion science
o Contact mechanics
o Research methods

* Experience in:
* Data Analysis (e.g. Minitab): design of experiments (DOE)
* Material Testing: Adhesion, mechanicals, expansion and contraction
* Ion release measurements
* Coatings and controlled release technologies
* Medical device ISO testing and regulatory requirements

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Pay Range: $57.40 per 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 jobcentr@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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.