Rsch Pro 3-Biomed Research

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hormel Institute at the University of Minnesota in Austin, MN seeks a research professional to support its membrane-protein program, focusing on mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein production and purification, and biochemical characterization. Responsibilities include experimental planning, data analysis, training of laboratory personnel, and maintaining standardized procedures on-site.

This 100% appointment Civil‑Service position offers competitive pay and benefits within the

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Experience independently planning and executing laboratory experiments.
• Experience optimizing experimental procedures and troubleshooting nonroutine research problems.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
• Ability to train or provide technical guidance to other laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities

• Plan and optimize mammalian expression experiments.
• Develop and evaluate transient and stable expression conditions.
• Troubleshoot nonroutine cell-culture and protein-expression problems.
• Establish reproducible production workflows and train laboratory personnel in mammalian cell-culture and expression methods.
• Design and optimize purification strategies for membrane-protein targets and complexes.
• Systematically troubleshoot protein extraction, purification, stability, and reconstitution problems.
• Optimize biochemical and functional assays and interpret experimental results.
• Develop reproducible purification and characterization workflows and train other laboratory personnel in their use.
• Plan experiments addressing defined research questions.
• Select appropriate experimental conditions and controls.
• Analyze and interpret biochemical, biophysical, and structural data relevant to assigned projects.
• Use experimental results to propose and execute follow-up experiments.
• Contribute to preparation of figures, methods, and research materials for presentations and publications.
• Develop and maintain standardized laboratory procedures and documentation.
• Train laboratory personnel in specialized experimental workflows.
• Identify operational problems affecting experimental reproducibility or efficiency and implement solutions.
• Coordinate use and maintenance of research equipment relevant to assigned workflows.
• Perform other research-related duties necessary to support the scientific objectives of the laboratory.

Skills

Experiment planning

Independent execution

Troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Train others

Education

BA/BS + 4 years exp

Job description

About the Job

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 the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Mammalian Cell Culture & Recombinant Protein Production - 30%

• Plan and optimize mammalian expression experiments for research projects.
• Develop and evaluate transient and stable expression conditions.
• Troubleshoot nonroutine cell-culture and protein-expression problems.
• Establish reproducible production workflows and train laboratory personnel in mammalian cell-culture and expression methods.

Protein Purification & Biochemical Characterization - 30%

• Design and optimize purification strategies for individual membrane-protein targets and complexes.
• Systematically troubleshoot protein extraction, purification, stability, and reconstitution problems.
• Optimize biochemical and functional assays and interpret experimental results.
• Develop reproducible purification and characterization workflows and train other laboratory personnel in their use.

Experimental Research & Structural/Biophysical Sample Preparation - 20%

• Plan experiments addressing defined research questions.
• Select appropriate experimental conditions and controls.
• Analyze and interpret biochemical, biophysical, and structural data relevant to assigned projects.
• Use experimental results to propose and execute follow-up experiments.
• Contribute to preparation of figures, methods, and research materials for presentations and publications.

Laboratory Operations & Documentation - 15%

• Develop and maintain standardized laboratory procedures and documentation.
• Train laboratory personnel in specialized experimental workflows.
• Identify operational problems affecting experimental reproducibility or efficiency and implement solutions.
• Coordinate use and maintenance of research equipment relevant to assigned workflows.

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 plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Demonstrated experience independently planning and executing laboratory experiments.
• Experience optimizing experimental procedures and troubleshooting nonroutine research problems.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
• Ability to train or provide technical guidance to other laboratory personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience optimizing mammalian protein‑expression and purification workflows.
• Experience with membrane proteins, protein complexes, or other challenging recombinant protein systems.
• Experience with detergent extraction, lipid‑based protein preparations, biochemical assays, or protein biophysics.
• Experience independently planning experiments, interpreting data, and training junior laboratory personnel.
• Familiarity with structural biology or cryo‑electron microscopy.

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: $31.72 - $39.65 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.