Researcher Professional 1

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Regents Tuition Benefit Program

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a dedicated research lab professional to join a faculty lab in Kolthoff Hall under Prof. Marc Hillmyer.

The role focuses on polymer characterization, lab equipment maintenance, and data collection alongside a team of researchers. Responsibilities include leading instrumentation support, SOP development, safety protocol enforcement, and preparing summaries and literature reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering or related college courses and work experience in a laboratory setting totaling at least four years in combination.
• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science.
• Experience with carrying out laboratory research in the molecular, morphological, and mechanical characterization of polymers or related experience in adjacent fields.
• Experience with ring-open metathesis of cyclic olefins in the presence of chain transfer agents, and hydrogenation of the product to telechelic polyolefin, using high pressure reactors.
• Experience with research instrumentation operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Scientific writing experience (research summaries, manuscripts for submission to journals) is also desirable.

Responsibilities

• 50%: Laboratory work involving modern polymer characterization. Maintaining lab equipment. Manifest chemical waste. Troubleshoot instrumentation. Work with undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers to acquire needed data.
• 30%: Lead group contacts and experts on research instrumentation support, maintenance, and repair, including training of other researchers.
• 10%: Assist in laboratory safety protocols and the development of standard operating procedures.
• 10%: Write/discuss summaries of findings. Assist in literature review and grant proposal preparation. Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Advanced degree

Polymer characterization

RO metathesis / high-pressure reactors

Research instrumentation maintenance

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering or related lab experience totaling at least four years

Job description

Job ID
375443

Location
Twin Cities

Job Family
Research

Full/Part Time
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary
Regular

Job Code
8351OC

Employee Class
Civil Service

About the Job

Job duties

Working in a faculty research lab in Kolthoff Hall with the group of Prof. Marc Hillmyer. Approximate workload distribution:

1. 50%: Laboratory work involving modern polymer characterization. Maintaining lab equipment. Manifest chemical waste. Troubleshoot instrumentation. Work with undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers to acquire needed data.
2. 30%: Lead group contacts and experts on research instrumentation support, maintenance, and repair, including training of other researchers.
3. 10%: Assist in laboratory safety protocols and the development of standard operating procedures.
4. 10%: Write/discuss summaries of findings. Assist in literature review and grant proposal preparation. Other duties as assigned.

This is a temporary position with an expected end date of 6/30/2027.

Work Environment: This is an in-person position working on the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, polymer science and engineering or related college courses and work experience in a laboratory setting totaling at least four years in combination.

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science.
• Experience with carrying out laboratory research in the molecular, morphological, and mechanical characterization of polymers or related experience in adjacent fields.
• Experience with ring-open metathesis of cyclic olefins in the presence of chain transfer agents, and hydrogenation of the product to telechelic polyolefin, using high pressure reactors.
• Experience with research instrumentation operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Scientific writing experience (research summaries, manuscripts for submission to journals) is also desirable.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota (UMN) provides a world-class education through classroom teaching and cutting-edge research. As a central, core discipline in science and engineering, chemistry is critical for solving society's most important problems and making significant positive impacts on human health, energy, and the environment. Our department of has been a national and international leader throughout its history. A wide range of companies and academic institutions from across the world hire our graduates and collaborate with us on research. Department of Chemistry alumni have enormous societal impact as academicians, K-12 teachers, scientists and managers in industrial and government laboratories, lawyers, public policy advocates, entrepreneurs, and in a diverse array of other fields. The department has 43 faculty member, 45 staff members, 60 post-doctoral associates and 230 graduate students.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $49,587.20 - $65,707.20 per year; 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.