Research Professional - Psychology

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays and generous time off

Professional training opportunities

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Grissom Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Psychology Department seeks a laboratory technician to support research on neural dynamics in decision making. This full-time Civil Service Continuous position involves conducting rodent behavioral studies and assisting with colony management, histology, and basic surgeries under supervision.

Candidates should have a background in psychology or neuroscience, be able to work on-site five days a week, and be willing to work evenings or weekends

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or biological sciences, or equivalent combination including at least 4 years of related research experience.
• Ability to work on-site 5 days per week due to hands-on tasks.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Experience working independently within a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioural assays in mice, including touchscreen operant tasks (50%).
• Assist with colony management: breeding, ordering, genotyping mice.
• Assist with laboratory procedures including histology and, with training, surgery.
• Maintain lab equipment and catalog supplies.
• Document all procedures in electronic databases and lab notebooks.

Skills

Rodent behavioral research

Team collaboration

Python

Matlab

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology/neuroscience/biological sciences

Tools

Genotyping

Histology

Job description

About the Job

Job Titles & Codes: Research Professional 1 or 2 (8351LS or 8352LS - Life Sciences Multidiscipline) The Grissom Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Psychology Department is seeking to hire a laboratory technician to join us in understanding neural dynamics generated during decision making. This position will be responsible for conducting research protocols and routine aspects of lab management. Candidate expectations are: (1) track record in conduct of rodent behavioral studies, laboratory administration, and/or laboratory assays (2) ability to work as part of a research team, including with graduate and undergraduate students. This is a 100%-time, Civil Service Continuous position.

Our lab is interested in understanding how different brains can flexibly implement different cognitive strategies to learn and decide on new actions to accommodate a changing world. Our current research is focused on understanding how the neural mechanisms of decision making are affected by causes and treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

We highly encourage you to submit both a resume and cover letter for consideration.

A Research Professional 1 is responsible for:

• Conducting behavioral assays in mice, including touchscreen operant tasks (50%)
• Assisting with colony management, including breeding, ordering, and genotyping mice (20%)
• Assisting with laboratory procedures including histology and, with appropriate training, surgery (15%)
• Assisting with the regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and cataloging supplies (10%)

• Careful documentation of all laboratory procedures in relevant electronic databases/forms and physical lab notebooks, and timely communication with lab members (5%)

A Research Professional 2 is responsible for:

• Conducting, and with appropriate training, analyzing behavioral assays in mice, including touchscreen operant tasks (50%)
• Independently performing and/or assisting with colony management, including breeding, ordering, and genotyping mice (20%)
• Independently performing and/or assisting with laboratory procedures including histology and, with appropriate training, surgery (15%)
• Careful documentation of all laboratory procedures in relevant electronic databases/forms and in lab notebooks, and timely communication with lab members (5%)
• Independently conducting and/or assisting with the regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and cataloging supplies (10%)

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications for Research Professional 1:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or biological sciences, or an equivalent combination of psychology- and/or neuroscience-related education and/or research experience totaling at least four (4) years, to include a minimum of 3 months of related research experience;
• Must be able to work on-site 5 days per week due to essential hands-on work
• Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some hours in evenings or weekends, as needed;
• Experience in working independently;
• Ability to rapidly acquire new skills in conduct of molecular and/or computational procedures;
• Ability to work as part of a research team

Preferred Qualifications for Research Professional 1:

• Prior experience in rodent behavioral research lab or similar;
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy and/or animal behavior;
• Experience with coding, especially in Python or Matlab

Essential Qualifications for Research Professional 2:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or biological sciences plus at least two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of psychology- and/or neuroscience-related education and/or research experience totaling at least six (6) years, to include a minimum of 6 months of related research experience;
• Must be able to work on-site 5 days per week due to essential hands-on work;
• Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some hours in evenings or weekends, as needed;
• Prior neuroscience or biology research experience, or animal husbandry experience;
• Experience in working independently;
• Ability to rapidly acquire new skills in conduct of molecular and/or computational procedures;
• Ability to work as part of a research team.

Preferred Qualifications for Research Professional 2:

• Prior experience in rodent behavioral research lab or similar;
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy and/or animal behavior;
• Experience with coding, especially in Python or Matlab

Pay and Benefits

Pay Ranges:

Research Professional 1 (8351LS) $20.67 - $23.08 hourly; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Research Professional 2 (8352LS) $22.60 - $27.40 hourly; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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 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.