Research Professional 1 - Department of Neuroscience

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and benefits

PSLF opportunity

Tuition/education support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis seeks a Researcher 1 to perform optical imaging and analysis in supporting neuroscience experiments. You will assist with animal preparation, surgery, imaging, data organization, and general lab operations under supervision of the PI and senior staff.

You will organize data, run analyses in MATLAB and Python, and contribute to project progress. This role involves hands-on surgical preparation, imaging sessions, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Biomedical Engineering (or equivalent combination of education and work experience).
• Experience with optical imaging in mice.
• Experience working in the Kara Lab (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize instruments for sterile intracranial surgery in animals.
• Induce anesthesia and perform intracranial surgical procedures in mice.
• Perform optical imaging experiments and analyze imaging data.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, procedures, and data files.
• Collaborate with senior staff and trainees to coordinate experiments.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and share findings.

Skills

Optical imaging in mice

Laboratory collaboration

Education

BA/BS in Biomedical Engineering (or equivalent)

Tools

Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) services

Job description

About the Job

This Researcher 1 position involves optical imaging and analysis of such data obtained from these experiments-including the use of the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute servers. The employee will support ongoing research projects in the laboratory by assisting with animal preparation, surgery, imaging, data organization, and general laboratory operations. The employee will work closely with the PI and other designated lab members, including senior research staff, scientists, engineers, and trainees, to support ongoing laboratory projects.

Job Responsibilities

• 90% - Research
  • Prepare and organize instruments, supplies, and workspaces for sterile intracranial surgery in animals.
  • Induce and monitor anesthesia using common anesthetic agents, including isoflurane and approved controlled substances.
  • Assist with and perform approved intracranial surgical procedures in mice, including AAV injections, cranial window preparation, and related procedures as appropriate after training.
  • Perform optical imaging experiments.
  • Organize, process, and analyze data obtained from imaging experiments.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all experiments, procedures, imaging sessions, animal work, reagents, and data files.
  • Perform rigorous data analysis involving matlab, python and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) services.
  • Work collaboratively with other laboratory members, including senior staff and trainees, to coordinate experiments, share equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure continuity of research activities.
  • Participate in weekly lab meetings to report on training progress, experimental results, troubleshooting, and research findings.
  • Contribute constructively to scientific discussions and recognize how diverse problem-solving approaches can lead to better research outcomes.
• 10% - Laboratory organization, compliance, and operational support
  • Order animals, reagents, surgical supplies, and other laboratory materials as needed.
  • Maintain critical regulatory documentation, including records related to controlled substances, laboratory safety, animal care, and approved protocols.
  • Ensure that laboratory supplies are organized, appropriately stocked, and available for ongoing experiments.
  • Assist with cleaning, maintenance, and organization of surgical equipment, imaging-related equipment, and shared laboratory spaces.
  • Transport materials between buildings when needed.
  • Prepare for and participate in laboratory inspections throughout the year, including inspections related to animal care, biosafety, chemical safety, and controlled-substance compliance.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) or a combination of education and work experience to equal at least 4 years.
• Experience with optical imaging in mice
• Experience working in the Kara Lab

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) services

About the Department

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. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
5. Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.
6. Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $21.75 per hour

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.

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)

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.