Rsch Pro 2-Biochemistry

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and generous time off

Tuition benefit program

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

HSA contributions

Employee wellbeing program

Excellent retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota in Saint Paul seeks a research assistant to support structural studies of viral entry proteins and development of entry inhibitors. You will perform cloning, culture, protein expression and biochemical assays under supervision, while maintaining records and communicating progress.

The role includes lab support, equipment upkeep, and administrative/Grant tasks to aid the PI and senior staff, with opportunities for growth in a dynamic pharmacology research environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field with 2+ years of related experience or 6 years total education/experience.
• Preferred: experience in molecular cloning, cell culture and protein purification; experience with protein biochemistry assays and related molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform research tasks to investigate structure and function of viral entry proteins and develop inhibitors.
• Assist with lab management, supplies, safety, and training of students/technicians.
• Support administrative tasks including grant documentation and budget tracking.

Skills

Molecular cloning

Cell culture

Protein purification

Protein biochemistry assays

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in biology or related field

Two years related experience or six years total

Tools

Chromatography-based purification

Western blotting

Recombinant protein expression

Job description

About the Job

Lab Information:
This position is available in Dr. Fang Li's lab in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The lab's research focuses on the cell entry mechanisms of viruses with pandemic potential, including coronaviruses, filoviruses, and others, as well as developing drugs and vaccines to block viral entry. The lab uses structural and biochemical approaches to achieve these goals, without growing or handling the viruses themselves. To learn more about Dr. Li's research, please visit https://structure.umn.edu/.

Summary:
Provides research support for projects involving structural studies of viral entry proteins and development of entry inhibitors targeting viral entry proteins. Under the guidance of the PI and senior research staff, assists with experimental work, routine laboratory operations, and administrative/grant support for the laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities:
80% - Research
Performs research tasks under direction of the PI or senior research staff to investigate the structure and function of viral entry proteins and develop entry inhibitors, including nanobodies and small-molecule compounds, that target viral entry proteins. Tasks include molecular cloning, cell culture, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, and protein biochemistry assays. Follows established protocols, maintains accurate experimental records, summarizes routine results, and communicates progress or technical issues to the supervisor.
10% - Laboratory Support
Assists with day-to-day laboratory management, including organizing lab space, maintaining supplies and inventory, assisting with purchasing, supporting laboratory safety and efficiency, helping coordinate routine equipment maintenance, and helping train undergraduates or technicians in routine lab procedures.
10% - Administrative and Grant Support
Assists the PI and senior staff with routine administrative and grant-related tasks, including organizing grant documents, helping track budgets and expenditures, maintaining laboratory records, and supporting implementation of laboratory process improvements.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field, plus at least two years of related experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in molecular cloning, cell culture, and protein purification is preferred. Experience with protein biochemistry assays, recombinant protein expression, mammalian, insect, or bacterial cell culture, chromatography-based protein purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, bacterial transformation, western blotting, or related molecular biology techniques is also preferred. Qualified candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to follow protocols, work carefully and independently on assigned tasks, think critically about their research; excellent organizational skills; enthusiasm; creativity; and motivation to learn.

About the Department

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota is one of six basic science departments in the Medical School. The well-fund­ed research programs of our primary faculty members focus on understanding and developing better treatments for cancer, addiction and the opioid crisis, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and metabolic syndrome. We also offer an undergraduate Pharmacology Minor, oversee the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program (MPaT), teach fundamental principles of pharmacology to students in professional degree programs (MD, DDS, and MD/PhD), and provide individualized training experiences for our strong community of postdoctoral scholars. Our past trainees are now applying their skills to impactful careers in academia, medicine, industry, government, law, and regulatory oversight. We are proud of our role in preparing the next generation of scientists for rewarding careers in the health sciences and related professions, and for the various other ways we give back to our community.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.55-$28.95; 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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.