Rsch Pro 1-Biomed Research

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Excellent retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

The Hormel Institute at the University of Minnesota in Austin, MN seeks a laboratory assistant to support mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein production, purification, and sample preparation. This on-site role focuses on maintaining cultures, producing and purifying proteins, and documenting experimental results within established protocols.

You will contribute to biochemical characterization, maintain lab records, and assist with general laboratory operations and safety procedures in a

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent with at least four years of relevant research experience.
• Laboratory experience in biological/biochemical/molecular/biomedical work.
• Ability to follow established experimental protocols and maintain accurate research records.
• Ability to perform laboratory work safely and reliably under direction.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using established protocols and aseptic technique.
• Produce recombinant proteins using established expression protocols and perform protein purification.
• Prepare samples for biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies and document results.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain laboratory inventories and records.
• Communicate experimental results and issues to the PI and team.

Skills

BA/BS degree

Laboratory experience

Ability to follow protocols

Safety compliance

Education

BA/BS degree or equivalent

Tools

None

Job description

Position & Department Overview

The Alam Laboratory at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota studies the structure and function of human membrane proteins, with a focus on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. The laboratory uses mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical methods, and cryo-electron microscopy to investigate membrane-protein mechanisms. The position will support the laboratory's research program through mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein production and purification, biochemical characterization, sample preparation, and laboratory operations. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Location: Austin

Job ID: 376529

Job Family: Research

Full Time

Temporary

Job Code: 8351BD

Employee Class: Civil Service

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Mammalian Cell Culture & Recombinant Protein Production - 30%

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using established protocols and aseptic technique.


• Perform routine cell expansion, passaging, transfection, harvesting, cryopreservation, and recovery.


• Monitor cell growth and condition and maintain accurate culture records.


• Produce recombinant proteins using established expression protocols.

Protein Purification & Biochemical Characterization - 30%

• Prepare cell membranes and protein samples using established procedures.


• Perform established protein extraction and purification protocols.


• Operate routine chromatography and protein-analysis equipment following established procedures.


• Assess protein samples using methods such as SDS-PAGE, protein quantification, and established biochemical assays.

Experimental Research & Structural/Biophysical Sample Preparation - 20%

• Prepare samples for biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies using established protocols.


• Perform established experimental procedures under direction.


• Collect, organize, and document experimental data.


• Communicate experimental results and problems to the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel.

Laboratory Operations & Documentation - 15%

• Prepare buffers, media, reagents, and laboratory materials.


• Maintain laboratory stocks, samples, cell lines, plasmids, and experimental records.


• Assist with laboratory inventory, ordering, and routine equipment maintenance.


• Follow laboratory and University safety procedures.

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• Perform other research-related duties necessary to support the scientific objectives of the laboratory, with duties appropriate to the level of appointment.

Work Profile

Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office/lab will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.


• Laboratory experience relevant to biological, biochemical, molecular, or biomedical research.


• Ability to follow established experimental protocols and maintain accurate research records.


• Ability to perform laboratory work safely and reliably under direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field.


• Previous academic or industry laboratory experience.


• Experience with mammalian cell culture.


• Experience with recombinant protein expression, protein purification, or standard protein-biochemistry methods.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to perform laboratory work involving periods of standing and sitting and repetitive fine-motor activities such as pipetting and sample preparation.


• Must be able to operate standard laboratory, cell-culture, chromatography, and protein-analysis equipment.


• Must be able to move laboratory supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.


• Work is performed in biomedical research laboratory and tissue‑culture environments and may involve biological materials, chemicals, compressed gases, cryogenic materials, and other materials routinely used in laboratory research.


• Must be able to use required personal protective equipment and follow applicable laboratory safety procedures.

About the Department

Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, makes scientific advancements that enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For more than 80 years, we have pursued our mission to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. A part of the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office, The Hormel Institute partners with the region's leading biomedical research facilities, including Mayo Clinic.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.27 - $31.59 per hour; 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.