Rsch Pro 3-Research Lab

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Comprehensive benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a Researcher 3 to independently perform, troubleshoot, and interpret biological experiments using mouse models and human trophoblast stem cells. The role includes maintaining mouse lines, setting up breeding, genotyping, and tissue collection for placental development studies in vitro and in vivo.

The candidate will employ sterile culture methods for placenta stem cells, generate clonal lines, analyze differentiation with 3D cultures, and use molecular

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 maintaining mouse colonies and handling breeding, genotyping, and records.
• Experience with human trophoblast stem cells and placental biology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain a mouse colony, set up breeding cages, weaning, genotyping, and records in a centralized database.
• Perform immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy on tissues and cells; optimize SOPs for staining.
• Identify optimal culture conditions for primary human trophoblast stem cells and perform genetic manipulation.
• Troubleshoot molecular assays (genotyping, PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blot) and interpret results.
• Keep detailed records in lab notebooks and shared databases; update protocols to reflect findings.
• Oversee equipment use and maintenance; train staff and volunteers; stock consumables.

Skills

Mouse colony management

Molecular assays

Cell culture

Immunostaining

qRT-PCR

Education

BA/BS degree + 4+ years relevant experience

Job description

About the Job

This Researcher 3 employee will independently perform, troubleshoot, and interpret biological experiments with mouse models and human trophoblast stem cells, supervised by PI. Will help maintain mouse lines by setting up breeding cages and separating and genotyping offspring. Will set up timed matings and perform dissections to collect tissues for imaging and molecular studies of in vivo placental development. Will use sterile tissue culture methods to maintain human placenta stem cells, generate knock-out and knock-in clonal lines and analyze the differentiation of stem cells using 3D culturing techniques to generate key cell types of the placenta in vitro. Will use molecular techniques such as genotyping, endpoint PCR, ELISA, western blot and qRT-PCR as well as immunofluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging to characterize differentiated cell types. Will prepare samples for genome-wide analysis using next-generation sequencing. Will maintain a laboratory notebook and update shared laboratory protocols and ensure adherence to regulatory policies of the University.

Essential and Other Functions

• 25% - Manage and maintain a mouse colony by setting up breeding cages, weaning, genotyping, and maintaining records in a centralized database. Maintain animal records in accordance with Animal Research Care Hub (ARCH) and develop IUCAC approved Standard Operation Protocols (SOPs) for embryo transfer experiments.
• 20% - Perform immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy of formaldehyde-fixed tissues and cells. Optimize and maintain SOPs for hybridization chain reaction and antibody staining of mouse tissues. Acquire, analyze, and interpret multicolor high-resolution fluorescence images.
• 20% - Identify optimal cell culture conditions for primary human trophoblast stem cells, including lentiviral transduction, genome engineering, and clonal isolation.
• 10% - Troubleshoot molecular assays (genotyping, endpoint PCR, qRT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, cloning, and DNA plasmid preparation, etc) as needed, analyze and interpret results, and determine when additional testing or optimization is needed.
• 10% - Keep detailed records of all experiments and procedures in laboratory notebooks and online databases and shared folders. Develop, maintain, and update shared laboratory protocols. Use experimental findings to inform subsequent procedures and research activities.
• 15% - Oversee the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, provide technical guidance and training to personnel and volunteers, and stock/order consumable lab supplies. Troubleshoot equipment and procedural issues and recommend appropriate solutions.

Essential Employees

The successful candidate will be designated as an Essential Employee. Essential Employees are expected to report to campus during a University State of Emergency (reduced operations or campus closure) unless specifically directed by the Department not to report or if directed by civil emergency or medical authorities not to report for health and safety reasons. As an Essential Employee, you must report to campus even if the closure is less than 3 days.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

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.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 - $75,000/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.

The University of Minnesota Medical School

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.