Research Pro 1-Preclinical Research

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and time off

Tuition benefit program

Retirement plans

Health insurance and wellness benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is seeking an entry-level animal care assistant for the PCRC, focusing on primate care, behavioral management, enrichment, and daily husbandry in a fast-paced research setting.

You will learn transfer, handling, colony management, keep detailed records, follow GLP protocols, train volunteers, and support studies on transplantation, diabetes, and regenerative medicine.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or 4 years of related education/experience in animal sciences or health sciences.
• Experience working with animals in a lab or clinical setting.
• Ability to function independently and in a team; flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods; willingness to work in a primate-focused center.

Responsibilities

• Perform NIH/JDRF/industry-funded research centered on animal welfare and science outcomes.
• Daily observation and health assessments to generate data for metabolic research; minimize disruptions.
• Record data, perform basic analyses, and prepare reports to inform study decisions.
• Calibrate instruments, perform assays, and maintain clean, organized lab spaces.
• Maintain detailed SOPs and training records; assist with animal handling and welfare programs.

Skills

Animal handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork

GLP compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Job

At PCRC, the needs of the animals are first and foremost. Each animal receives the best care possible for his or her physical, psychological and social well-being. The animals are treated with respect, compassion and empathy. The PCRC is seeking a self-starting employee, who is a team player committed to performing high-quality animal clinical care and research in a fast-paced research laboratory setting. This position will be a part of a team that is committed to caring for the animals that make it possible to advance groundbreaking research in transplantation, COVID-19, diabetes, obesity, and regenerative medicine to the clinic, while simultaneously conducting the fully-funded (NIH, JDRF [Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation] and Industry) research of PCRC. Specifically, PCRC’s research is focused on studying the effects of improving the welfare of animals used in biomedical models, thus enhancing the translational value of animal models used in biomedical research. As such, the employee must have interest in cooperative handling, enrichment, and animal husbandry (behavioral management) with rodents, pigs, and nonhuman primates. The translational and high regulatory research completed at PCRC requires attention to detail and the ability to follow precise written protocols that adhere to GLP regulations. The employee will learn how to provide and be responsible for daily behavioral management, care, enrichment, and nurturing to animals by preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining the Center facility. They will receive training, in becoming proficient in transfer, handling, specialized individual care, and will begin to acquire skills in Colony Management. Additionally, the employee will perform research and related tasks in animal husbandry in evaluating the influence on animal welfare and scientific outcomes. The Center has a unique focus on primates, so while employees will be working with a variety of animals, they should have a strong interest in working with monkeys as this is an entry-level position in primate care, behavioral management and research. The employee will participate in center support by training new volunteers, keeping detailed records and reporting on the status of the animals, making updates and revisions to SOPs, and handle specimens or equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Duties

Research & Lab Support - 50%

• Perform NIH, JDRF and business & industry funded research focused on the role of husbandry as it relates to animal welfare, scientific outcomes, and support of the Program Director’s scientific welfare philosophy
• Under the direction of senior staff, perform daily observation/assessment of animals (ie. Fecal scoring, health indicators such as appetite, social compatibility with other animal subjects, weight fluctuations, Lixit training for hydration assessment, activity level, overall health status) to generate data points to use in metabolic research in order to minimize disruptions during treatment sessions
• Record data, make assessments, and perform basic data analysis in order to inform future actions/decisions pertaining to animal enrichment
• Perform instrument calibration and point of care assays
• Identify the enrichment needs of individual animals and their phase within a study in order to prepare and maintain specialty housing setups for metabolic or infectious disease, paying particular attention to each individual animal and their requirements
• Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of body weight measurements, animal observations (fecal scoring 1-4, enrichment identification and rotation, etc), procedures completed, temperament and sociality assessments
• Assist with animal handling to cooperate with care and research task performance
• Maintain meticulous records and collect research data in accordance with GLP guidelines
• Maintains a clean environment and ensures that areas are adequately ordered, stocked and that equipment is in working order
• Assist with development of protocol for process improvement and animal welfare projects
• Assist with training and educational programs and tours
• Responsible for safe keeping of sensitive and confidential material
• Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work
• Participate in Center meetings/rounds
• Assemble instrument and packs as needed
• Clean lab, instruments, and equipment
• Other duties as assigned - will develop cross-functional skills by assisting all areas of lab

Behavioral Management and Specialized Husbandry - 50%

• Identify the specific factors/conditions of animal subjects (ie. Age, physical condition, etc) in order to maintain species appropriate housing, social grouping, nutrition and care
• Identify specific needs and history of animal subjects in order to prepare appropriate nutritionally balanced food and special diets, clean and enrich enclosures, provide for socialization and maintain the Center facility according to scientific protocols
• Prepares supplies and paperwork supporting facility management, husbandry, and clinical care
• Under the direction of senior staff, participate in veterinary consults, treatment plans, and follow up
• Facilitate open and professional communication related to animals under their care and teamwork among a diverse team (technicians, students, DVMs, scientists) to support positive outcomes and excellent animal care
• Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of: biscuit consumption, daily enrichment offerings, supplies used, senior staff communications, census information, etc.
• Must adhere to safety and infection control policies and procedures and be willing to clean and deep clean areas
• Assist with surgical induction and recovery of large and small animals
• Must have the ability to work in a clinical care setting

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a social or natural science or combination of 4 years of related education and experience in the animal sciences, biological sciences, analytical sciences, or related health sciences
• Experience working with animals
• Able to function independently as well as in a group
• Must be willing to work a flexible work week; core lab hours are 7am to 3:30pm with rotational schedule for evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be able to lift 50lbs by oneself, must be able to sit and stand for long periods
• A current negative tuberculosis screening and measles vaccination is required as a condition of employment

Preferred

• Experience with animal models for medical research
• Basic skill in clinical observation and treatment
• Experience in basic small and large animal handling and behavior
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Experience conducting research in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

About The Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $46,280- $54,500; 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.

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, 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 reflects 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.

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.