Research Professional 5-Preclinical Research

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 92,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Research Professional 5 to lead scientific and operational efforts in a neuroscience-focused lab examining neural control of breathing and spinal cord neuroplasticity using rodent models. You will design experiments, supervise staff and trainees, analyze data, and contribute to publications.

Responsibilities include coordinating projects, training graduate students, and advancing research directions while ensuring timely progression and dissemination of

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or physiology with one (1) or more years of research training.
• Experience working with in vivo rodent models of respiratory neural control.
• First author and middle author publications in peer reviewed journals on respiratory physiology or neuroplasticity.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments in respiratory neural control and spinal cord neuroplasticity.
• Provide supervision and technical direction to lab personnel.
• Research literature, synthesize findings, and present recommendations to advance studies.
• Analyze and interpret data, correlating with hypotheses and research objectives.
• Contribute to manuscripts related to the studies.

Skills

Publications in peer-reviewed journals

In vivo rodent model experience

Education

PhD in neuroscience or physiology

Tools

In vivo electrophysiology

Immunohistochemistry / histology

RNAscope / molecular biology

Job description

About the Job

The Research Professional 5 serves as a senior scientific and operational leader within a research laboratory focused on the neural control of breathing, mechanisms of spinal cord neuroplasticity, and functional recovery following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) using preclinical rodent models (currently supported by NIH and State of Minnesota grants).

Job Summary

About the Job

The Research Professional 5 serves as a senior scientific and operational leader within a research laboratory focused on the neural control of breathing, mechanisms of spinal cord neuroplasticity, and functional recovery following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) using preclinical rodent models (currently supported by NIH and State of Minnesota grants).

Operating with a high degree of independence, this role provides technical expertise, logistical coordination, and supervisory leadership across ongoing and emerging research initiatives. The Researcher 5 is responsible for designing and executing complex experimental protocols, interpreting multi-faceted data, contributing to scientific literature, and driving new research directions to advance the laboratory's core mission. Additionally, this position directs the laboratory’s robust undergraduate research pipeline and provides high-level technical training and expertise to graduate and postdoctoral researchers to ensure project progression, timely completion, and scientific dissemination.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• 50% Primary Research Execution: Design and conduct experiments based on ongoing research projects in the lab, including studies involving respiratory neural function, spinal cord injury, sex hormone biology, and neuroplasticity. This will be a combination of individually led experiments/studies and team experiments/studies.
• 20% Supervisory & Technical Direction: Provide direction and supervision to others in the lab by instructing on techniques, processes, and procedures.
• 10% Literature Research & Synthesis: Research and analyze literature related to research studies; present information and make recommendations to advance current studies.
• 10% Data Analysis & Interpretation: Analyze and interpret data compiled from research experiments, and recommend to the PI analytical outcomes and how experimental results impact hypotheses or research objectives.
• 10% Dissemination & Manuscript Contribution: Contribute to manuscripts as it relates to the research studies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience or physiology with one (1) or more years of research training.
• Experience working with in vivo rodent models of respiratory neural control.
• First author and middle author publications in peer reviewed journals on respiratory physiology or neuroplasticity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in one or more of the following:
• Working with laboratory rodents (handling, dissections, surgery, etc…).
• Rodent behavioral measures including whole body barometric plethysmography.
• In vivo electrophysiology or neural physiology recording techniques.
• CNS histology including immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and In-situ hybridization (e.g., RNAscope).
• Other lab techniques including cell culture, immunoblotting, ELISA, PCR, biochemistry/metabolism assays, mass spectrometry.
• Presenting research at conferences.
• Teaching experience or serving as graduate teaching assistant to demonstrate educational leadership and teamwork.

About The Department

Family Medicine and Community Health

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota was created more than 50 years ago in response to a legislative mandate to train primary care physicians. Since then, we have been leaders in transforming the specialty through education, research, and patient care. We are the academic sponsor of ten family medicine residencies—five in the Twin Cities, five in Greater Minnesota. We are involved in medical student education activities across the Medical School's three campuses: Twin Cities, Duluth, and Saint Cloud. We sponsor five fellowship programs—sports medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, behavioral medicine, clinical informatics, and human sexuality—and offer continuing medical education opportunities. We are regularly among the top National Institutes of Health-funded family medicine departments. Our faculty are actively researching health disparities, healthcare delivery, and population health. More at https://med.umn.edu/familymedicine .

Division of Physical Therapy

The Division of Physical Therapy creates and integrates innovative research discoveries, education, and practice to develop scholarly, collaborative physical therapists and rehabilitation scientists who advance health care and disease prevention for diverse communities in Minnesota and beyond. More information may be found at https://med.umn.edu/fmch/physical-therapy .

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $92,000 to $98,000 annually ; depending 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.