Research Pro 1-Preclinical Reearch

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition benefit program

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Employee wellbeing program

Excellent retirement plans

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Transit Pass

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a Researcher 1 to perform quantitative analyses of electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral data from zebrafish. The role focuses on understanding spinal locomotor circuit development in aquatic vertebrates and requires experience with molecular biology and vertebrate models.

The successful candidate will work with faculty, postdocs, students, and staff in a collaborative environment, with duties including conducting research, maintaining zebrafish lines,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological science or related field, or equivalent education/work experience totaling at least four years.
• 1-2 years’ experience working with zebrafish.
• Proficient at husbandry and breeding zebrafish.

Responsibilities

• 60% Conduct research into the structural and functional organization of spinal locomotor circuits during development, including maintenance of zebrafish lines, genotyping, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, microscopy and behavior.
• 20% Ordering supplies.
• 20% Supervise undergraduate students.

Job description

About the Job

The duties of this Researcher 1 will include quantitative and statistical analyses of electrophysiological, activity-dependent optical imaging and behavioral data from animal experiments (zebrafish) with the overall goal of understanding the development of spinal locomotor circuits in aquatic vertebrates. The position requires research experience in molecular biology and in using vertebrate aquatic animal models to study the nervous system with demonstrated proficiency in transposon-mediated transgenesis, electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy. The position requires working closely with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff with a high degree of collegiality.

Duties/Responsibilities

• 60% Conduct research into the structural and functional organization of spinal locomotor circuits during development, including maintenance of zebrafish lines, fin clipping, genotyping, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, microscopy and behavior.


• 20% Ordering supplies


• 20% Supervise undergraduate students

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree with specialization in a biological science discipline, or an equivalent combination of education in the specific or related field of science and work experience totaling at least four years. Computer experience.


• 1-2 years’ experience working with zebrafish.


• Proficient at husbandry and breeding zebrafish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands‑on experience with several of the following: immunocytochemistry, microscopy and imaging, molecular biology (PCR and qPCR, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, microinjection, sequence analysis, RNA/DNA purification, plasmid preparation, basic sub‑cloning, protein western blot analysis) and care and maintenance of zebrafish lines in the Zebrafish Facility.


• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and SAS (or similar) is a plus.

About the Department

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology. 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.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $22.50 - $23.50 per hour; 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.

• 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 reflect 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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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.