Research Assistant

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 53,000; Part time

Job summary

The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota, is seeking a Graduate Assistant to join the PulmonaryVascular Biology Laboratory. You will investigate mechanisms of pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular adaptation in pulmonary hypertension, combining experimental physiology with computational biology and bioinformatics.

The role involves data analysis of multi-omics datasets, lab-based experiments, and preparation of manuscripts and grants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Previous laboratory experience required.
• Understanding of basic molecular techniques expected.
• Excellent written, oral communication and critical thinking skills required.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mouse colonies, breeding and genotyping, and manage lab records.
• Assist pharmacological experiments in rodents and collect samples for drug testing.
• Conduct laboratory-based research using cellular and animal models and perform molecular biology, cell biology, histology, microscopy and physiology experiments.
• Design methods to isolate pulmonary vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells from human and animal samples.
• Process and analyze transcriptomic datasets (bulk RNA-seq and/or single-cell RNA-seq) and perform differential expression and pathway analyses.
• Organize supplies, set up equipment, and perform routine maintenance as needed.
• Acquire and analyze data, assist in grant and manuscript preparation, and present findings in lab meetings.
• Clean glassware and maintain a clean laboratory environment.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Molecular techniques

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

SigmaPlot

GraphPad

Prism

RedCap

Job description

About the Job

The Graduate Assistant position is available in the PulmonaryVascular Biology Laboratory to investigate the molecular andcellular mechanisms underlying pulmonary vascular remodeling andright ventricular adaptation in pulmonary hypertension reporting toDr. Aleksandra Babicheva. The successful candidate will combineexperimental physiology with computational biology andbioinformatics approaches to analyze multi-dimensional biologicaldatasets and generate new mechanistic insights. This position isexpected to work four hours a day Monday-Friday. This position iscovered by the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical, Radio andMachine Workers of America Local 1105. Appointments are offeredeach semester according to UMN academic calendars. The employerretains the right to change or assign other duties to this positionas needed. The deadline to apply is September 4, 2026.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain mouse colonies (i.e., breeding and genotyping), managinglab research records (e.g., methodological approaches, experimentalrecords, and protocols).
• Work with others in the lab to assist with the pharmacologicalexperiments in rodents including sample collection to test thetherapeutic potential of drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension andright heart failure.
• Conduct laboratory-based research using cellular and animalmodels of cardiopulmonary disease and performing molecular biology,cell biology, histology, microscopy, and physiologicalexperiments.
• Design a method to isolate pulmonary vascular endothelial andsmooth muscle cells from human and animal specimens.
• Processing and analyzing transcriptomic datasets (bulk RNA-seqand/or single-cell RNA-seq), performing differential geneexpression, pathway enrichment, and gene ontology analyses,integrating publicly available genomic and transcriptomic datasetswith laboratory-generated data, developing reproducible dataanalysis workflows using R and/or Python.
• Organizing supplies, materials or equipment and setting-upequipment for laboratory experiments or demonstrations; may performminor equipment maintenance. Operating laboratory and experimentalequipment such as microscopes, fluorescent microscopes,centrifuges, analytical balances, cell incubators, cell/tissuestorage tank; making minor repairs and arrangements for majorrepairs to be performed.
• Responsibilities will include data acquisition and analysis,grant and manuscript preparation, and presentation of findingsduring weekly lab meetings.
• Cleaning glassware and other laboratory equipment or materialsusing appropriate standards; keeping laboratory area clean.

70% - Ongoing Research

• Design and implementation of hypothesis-driven researchprojects.

15% - Analysis & Review

• Analysis and review of generated data.
• Review of scientific literature.

15% - Scientific writing

• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewedjournals.
• Preparation of grants proposals for submission to seek researchfunding.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Instituteendorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcomingand flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to dotheir best. Work location options include working fully remote,partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on thework of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary forcertain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Becausewe are a land-grant institution that serves the state, theUniversity will continue to- in most cases- expect employees tolive in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible WorkProfile One.

Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based - is expected to workprimarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally andinconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located at TheHormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. The Hormel Institutemanagement retains the right to modify flexible work arrangementagreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at anytime.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Understanding of basic molecular techniques.
• Excellent written, oral communication and critical thinkingskills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with isolation of primary cells (human, rodent).
• Experience with electrophysiological experiments(patch-clamp).
• Ability to use software for statistics such as EXCEL, SigmaPlot,GraphPad, Prism, RedCap.
• Knowledge of research and laboratory equipment appropriate to thearea of the assignment.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be comfortable working in environments that may includeclose contact with animals, animal byproducts, and relatedmaterials.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, outdoor environments, andpotential odors or airborne particles related to animal care.

About the Department

Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, TheHormel Institute, University of Minnesota, makes scientificadvancements that enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For morethan 80 years, we have pursued our mission to conduct research andprovide education in the biological sciences with applications inmedicine and agriculture. A part of the University of Minnesota'sResearch and Innovation Office, The Hormel Institute partners withthe region's leading biomedical research facilities, including MayoClinic.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $32.83 depending oneducation/qualifications/experience. This position is paid on abiweekly basis.

Please visit the Officeof Student Health Benefits website for more informationregarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student HealthBenefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course creditswithin a given semester. The same applies for UndergraduateStudents, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows andInterns.

Application Deadline

September 4, 2026.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University iscommitted to attracting and retaining employees with varyingidentities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to andopportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive 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 byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor 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-lifeflexibility.