Research Professional 2-Research Lab

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a researcher to study targeted therapy for breast cancer growth and metastasis. The role involves studying natural killer cell therapies, growth factor signaling, and resistance mechanisms using organoids and xenografts, with in vivo imaging to monitor responses.

Responsibilities include conducting supervised experiments, performing mouse work, and maintaining rigorous lab records. Strong communication and independent problem‑solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or related discipline plus 2 years full‑time research, or six years related experience.
• Experience with cell culture of cell lines, flow cytometry and mouse work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Preferred: experience with biochemical and analytical assays.
• Preferred: western blotting/immunoblotting and fluorescence imaging or immunohistochemistry.
• Ability to read and evaluate scientific papers; document results and contribute to manuscript editing; strong computer and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Research – 65%: perform supervised lab work on signaling and targeting in breast cancer; analyze signaling pathways; plan experiments and problem-solve independently.
• Mouse work – 25%: inject and monitor tumor cells in mice, measure growth, image, process samples, and collect tissues.
• Lab administration – 10%: maintain lab, order supplies, manage hazardous waste, safety records, and literature reviews.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Mouse work

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or biochemistry

Job description

Employment Details

Job ID: 376234

Location: Twin Cities

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 8352RL

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

This position will study targeted therapy for breast cancer growth and metastasis. Ongoing research projects in the laboratory include the study of natural killer cell based therapy for breast cancer, growth factor signaling in regulating growth and metastasis of breast cancer, mechanisms of resistance to drugs. The projects include use of patient-derived organoids and patient-derived xenografts in animal models to study the effect of signaling inhibitors and natural killer cell based drugs on biology and metastasis of breast cancer and in vivo imaging to monitor response to targeted therapies.

Specific responsibilities/duties include:

• Research - 65%: Performing supervised scientific and professional laboratory work on growth factor receptor signaling and targeting in breast cancer. The work will involve analyzing signaling pathways using cell culture, western blotting, DNA and RNA analyses using real-time PCR analyses, cell surface staining, cell killing assays; daily record keeping; analyses of data; conduct literature reviews. The employee will plan experiments in collaboration with the supervisor and will be expected to independently problem solve and implement changes necessary to ensure success of the work.
• Mouse work - 25%: Injecting and implanting tumor cells in mice, monitoring mice, measuring tumor growth and imaging mice during experiments, weighing mice and administering treatments to mice, processing of blood for human NK cells and CTC, harvesting tumors, lungs and bones of mice and analysis of metastases.
• Lab administration and maintenance - 10%: General lab maintenance, ordering laboratory chemicals and supplies, hazardous waste management, stocking of lab & tissue culture, making solutions, routine lab upkeep, and literature reviews and preparing research summaries.
• Orient and Train - Assist in the training of incoming lab members, including undergraduate students and maintain lab safety and training records.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline and 2 years full time research experience; or a combination of related education in biology or biochemistry and biomedical research experience related to the job totaling at least six years.
• Experience with cell culture of cell lines, flow cytometry and mouse work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

The selected candidate will have a strong interest in animal models of cancer biology and use of modern molecular biology techniques. They will also be expected to demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, motivation, ability to follow protocols, work independently, and multi-task.

Preferred:

• Experience and demonstrated technical ability in biochemical and analytical assays.
• Experience with western blotting or immunoblotting and fluorescence imaging or immunohistochemistry.
• Ability to read and evaluate scientific papers; ability to write up scientific results and contribute to editing manuscripts; strong computer and organizational skills.

About the Department

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to cancer research, education, and patient care for the citizens of Minnesota and the surrounding region. Since the time of the first award in 1997, there has been consistent growth of the membership and research base, enabling our center to further advance our knowledge and enhance care for our catchment area. We are driven to be the choice academic healthcare environment for patients, clinicians, scientists and students who seek exceptional, compassionate, precision cancer therapy; innovative clinical trials and prevention programs; cutting-edge research opportunities; and outstanding advanced education.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $46,155.20 - $49,000; 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.

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.