Research Professional 5 - Med School BMBB

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF program

Flexible spending accounts

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Life insurance

Wellbeing program

Transit benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota's Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics department seeks a highly qualified researcher in a protein biochemistry/biophysics laboratory. This role focuses on engineering recombinant antibodies and related biologics, with emphasis on structural studies to guide therapeutic development.

Responsibilities include antibody discovery, production, and detailed biophysical characterization, plus training and grant-writing support for ongoing projects.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field with at least one year of experience.
• Training in recombinant protein expression, purification, and optimization.
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with long-term projects and grant proposals.
• Lab management experience.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• 35% Structural biophysics and mechanistic studies in existing and future projects.
• 35% Operations Manager Masonic Cancer Center Antibody Engineering Shared Resource.
• 10% Publication and presentation of data.
• 10% Train and serve as a resource to lab members.
• 10% Grant Writing

Skills

Protein expression

Antibody engineering

Biophysics methods

Grant writing

Lab management

Education

PhD in chemistry/biochemistry (preferred)

Advanced degree in chemistry/biochemistry

Tools

SPR

BLI

ELISA

FACS

Job description

About the Job

Position Description: This position is in a protein biochemistry/biophysics laboratory. The laboratory engineers recombinant antibodies, related biologics, and reagents for cell-based therapies, and undertakes structural and functional studies of proteins in human health and disease to guide the development of therapeutic leads. The laboratory works with a variety of methods (protein engineering, computational modeling, high-throughput screening, optical spectroscopy, EPR, NMR, x-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, FRET, Force spectroscopy) to design therapeutic leads, determine their mechanism of action, and mechanism of interaction with binding partners. The laboratory operates the Masonic Cancer Center's Antibody Engineering Shared Resource, interfacing with Cancer Center members to assist in the development of recombinant antibodies, nanobodies, and affinity reagents for cancer researchers across the university.

Job Responsibilities

35% Structural biophysics and mechanistic studies in existing and future projects

• Development of engineered Antibody-Cytokine fusion proteins for cell reprogramming.
• Development of immunotherapies targeting cell surface proteins associated with cancer
• Development of Notch activators and determination of their mechanism of action
• Structural and functional studies of proteins of interest

35% Operations Manager Masonic Cancer Center Antibody Engineering Shared Resource.

• Display Technologies & Selection: Execute recombinant antibody selection pipelines utilizing computational design and display technologies (e.g., yeast surface display, phage display, or mRNA/ribosome display) to generate high-affinity binders (scFv, Fab, nanobodies/VHH) against target antigens
• Antibody Format & Production: Re-format binders into full-length IgGs or bispecific constructs; manage recombinant expression (mammalian/HEK/CHO, insect, or bacterial platforms) and purification (Protein A/G, IMAC, SEC)
• Biophysical & Kinetic Characterization: Perform quantitative binding and affinity measurements using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI/Octet), ELISA, and Flow Cytometry (FACS) etc
• Core Operations & Consultation: Consult with AESR team and Masonic Cancer Center investigators on target design and project feasibility; establish SOPs; maintain lab records; and assist with daily core facility workflows
• Direct/Assist in the direction of junior AESR staff in daily operations

10% Publication and presentation of data

• Maintain accurate records and digital laboratory notebook standards used by the laboratory
• Contribute to the completion of progress reports associated with sponsored projects
• Communicate findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Produce a first author paper within the first two years of this position
• Prepare and give presentations at national and international meetings

10% Train and serve as a resource to lab members

• Contribute to the training of junior personnel (undergraduate and graduate students, technicians) in the lab
• Coordinate with collaborators to ensure project moves smoothly and aid in sharing of resources necessary to achieve project goals
• Foster a safe, collegial, and inclusive workplace environment

10% Grant Writing

• Contribute to grant writing (in association with AESR and in association with basic research grants).
• Co‑lead or lead the development and submission of at least one R01 level grant per year.
• Participate in the submission of grant applications with collaborators and laboratory PI at least three times per year.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (must be mentioned on application/resume)

• Advanced degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field plus at least one year of working experience
• Training in recombinant protein expression, purification, and optimization, antibody discovery and validation, biophysical spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and X-ray crystallography.
• Strong organizational skills, proactive, and detail orientated
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience carrying out long-term projects, and contributing ideas to grant proposals
• Lab management experience
• Aptitude for working in a collaborative team
• Aptitude for managing numerous simultaneous scientific projects and efforts

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field combined with 3+ years postdoctoral research experience
• Demonstrated publication record in reputable journals
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, particularly mammalian cells
• Research experience in structural biology and biophysical methods to study protein structure and function
• Ability to interact constructively with faculty and staff
• Experience training others in laboratory protocols and research methods

About the Department

The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer, developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology, and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 annually dep ending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.