Research Professional 1 - Hua Zhao Lab

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF opportunity

Retirement plans

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a temporary Civil Service research assistant to support the Hua Zhao Research Lab in Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering. You will work on environmental remediation of phenolic compounds, assist graduate students, and perform analytical measurements using HPLC and LC-MS.

This 50% time appointment offers in-person work at the Saint Paul campus with opportunities for safety training and collaborative research within a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• BS degree in science and engineering or equivalent education/experience (4+ years).
• Hands-on experience in chemistry laboratory.
• Experience with analytical tools for small molecule characterization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical research support for the Hua Zhao Research Lab.
• Assist a graduate student in environmental removal of phenolic compounds.
• Evaluate enzymes for phenolic compound removal.
• Analyze samples using HPLC and LC-MS instruments; maintain lab instruments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

BS degree in science and engineering

Tools

HPLC/LC-MS instrumentation

Job description

About the Job

This position is a temporary posted Civil Service position with an anticipated initial end date of 12/27/26

Position Overview:

This position will provide technical research support for the Hua Zhao Research Lab in the Dept. of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota. The research of the Zhao lab integrates biocatalysis tools to convert natural resources into valuable bioproducts and mitigate environmental pollutants.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

90% - Research

• Assist a graduate student to conduct experiments on environmental removal of phenolic compounds.
• Evaluate different enzymes for enzymatic removal of various phenolic compounds
• Analyze samples using instruments including HPLL and LC-MS
• Maintain laboratory instruments
• Other research duties as assigned

10% Lab Participation

• Participate as an active member of the lab, supporting all tasks as needed to support the research team
• Attend and participate in all activities or meetings organized by the lab
• Enforce laboratory safety

Work Environment: In person

Location: University of Minnesota, Saint Paul campus

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 20 hours per week

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BS degree in science and engineering, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
• Completed at least one-year of general college-level chemistry courses
• Prior hands-on experience in chemistry laboratory
• Demonstrated skills in various analytical tools for small molecule characterizations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in organic chemistry
• Experience in working with graduate and undergraduate students in research projects

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26.58 - $27.94 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment, Temporary

Position Type: Civil-Service

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
• 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

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.