Research Specialist (Casual Nonexempt)

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a Research Specialist to join the Neuromodulation Research Center for preclinical studies on DBS and movement disorders. The role focuses on sorting neuronal activity from cells to assess DBS effects and to support planning and execution of implant procedures.

The candidate will contribute to imaging, planning, and quality control tasks, working with a team to advance electrophysiological strategies and longitudinal brain studies in PD models.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, BME, ECE, or similar field with related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Strong quantitative background and signal processing expertise for neural activity analysis.
• Strong record of presenting research results through publications and conference abstracts.
• Able to work up to 14 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Research duties: data collection, analysis, method development, publication of results in manuscripts.
• Spike sorting neuronal activity from multielectrode arrays; plan surgical procedures for implantation.
• Assist in imaging, planning, and quality control tasks for DBS array implant procedures.
• Contribute to understanding brain activity in longitudinal PD pathophysiology and DBS strategy development.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong quantitative background

Publications and conference abstracts

Data collection

Education

PhD in Neuroscience/BME/ECE

Tools

MATLAB

Spike sorting background

Job description

Job ID: 376379

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 0005

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

Duties and Responsibilities:

100% - Research Duties: Data collection, analysis, method development, publication of results in manuscripts; specifically spike sorting neuronal activity collected from multielectrode arrays from subjects on/off DBS stimulation to determine its effect in the alleviation of the symptoms of movement disorders. Plan surgical procedures for the implantation of above mentioned arrays in naive subjects.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Neuroscience, BME, ECE, or similar field with related experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others
• Strong quantitative background and signal processing expertise appropriate for the analysis of neural activity
• Strong record of presenting research results through publications and conference abstracts
• Able to work up to 14 hours per week

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming in MATLAB
• A background in neuronal spike sorting

About the Department

The Neuromodulation Research Center (NMRC), under the direction of Jerrold Vitek, MD, PhD seeks a Research Specialist to join the team of an establised preclinical research project. The successful candidate will sort the neuronal activity from a multitude of cells to ascertain the effect of DBS for the alleviation of the symptoms of movement disorders. The specialist's research will provide a better understanding of the brain activity involved in the longitudinal pathophysiology of PD and assist in the development of electrophysiological based strategies (e.g.,closed-loop DBS) for the treatment of movement disorders. In concert with other researchers, the applicant will assist in the imaging, planning, and quality control tasks necessary for DBS array implant procedures.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30.00-$50.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.