Rsch Pro 1-Plant Science - 75% Appointment

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition benefit program

Low-cost medical and dental plans

Flexible spending accounts

Excellent retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a part-time research assistant to contribute to a project on enlarging camelina and pennycress seeds for use as a commodity oilseed crop. The role involves hands-on molecular and cellular experiments, lab management, and supervising undergraduate assistants.

Responsibilities include conducting 60% of project research, supporting data collection and management, and assisting with presentations and outreach while maintaining a safe, well-organized lab and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience recording, analyzing, and presenting data.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate lab assistants and manage lab operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct plant research focusing on camelina and pennycress seed development (60%).
• Assist collaborators with data collection and data management decisions (20%).
• Perform other lab duties, mentor students, and help with presentations and outreach (20%).

Skills

Data analysis

Lab supervision

Molecular biology skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry

Job description

About the Job

Job ID: 376603

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Research

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 8351PS

Employee Class: Civil Service

Summary

The candidate will study on the project entitled \"Enlarge camelina and pennycress seeds for its utility as a commodity oilseed crop\". Both plants have a two-stage seed developmental path like Arabidopsis: early endosperm proliferation and late embryo growth to replace the endosperm. Early endosperm proliferation significantly impacts the mature seed size since it enforces a space limitation and serves as nutrient supplies for the subsequent embryo development. We will manipulate early endosperm proliferation and achieve increased mature seed mass. First, we will promote endosperm proliferation by overexpressing two endosperm proliferation genes. Second, we will prolong endosperm proliferation by editing one suppressor of endosperm proliferation.

The candidate will help enable this research by performing various molecular and cellular experiments and engaging in laboratory management, including oversight of the laboratory supplies, maintenance of a safe and secure workplace, and supervision of undergraduate laboratory assistants.

• 60%: Conduct project research on plants. Help enlarge camelina and pennycress seeds to see there utility as a commodity oilseed crop.


• 20%: Assist collaborators with data collection and data management decisions.


• 20%: Perform other lab duties, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, the preparation and delivery of presentations, and public outreach.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.


• Bachelor's courses in general biology, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or equivalent classes.

Preferred Requirements

• Ability to record, analyze, present data and to troubleshoot problems independently. Proficiency to hire, train, and supervise undergraduate laboratory assistants.


• Undergraduate research experiences with molecular biology in academic labs engaged in nucleic acid manipulation, cloning and mutagenesis, primer and probe design, RT-PCR, and gel electrophoresis is a plus.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.32 hr. depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment (30 hours a week)

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

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.