Rsch Pro 4-Life Sci-Multidisc

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Schmidt Research Group at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) is seeking a Life Science Research Professional with aspirations to become a project manager and supervisor. The role centers on AAV vector engineering, advanced cell culture, and translational gene therapy in a well-funded NIH/NSF environment.

You will design and optimize production workflows, support GMP-scaleup, and collaborate with academic and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with ≥9 years total experience in molecular biology or related field.
• Hands-on experience with AAV or other viral vector production and titration assays.
• Proficiency in cloning, mutagenesis, gel and protein analysis techniques.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and BSL-2 regulatory practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute AAV vector production, purification, and QC workflows.
• Develop mammalian cell culture systems for viral vector manufacturing.
• Characterize engineered AAV capsids for tropism and delivery.
• Support scale-up toward preclinical/clinical-grade production.
• Maintain biosafety/regulatory compliance for gene therapy vectors.
• Contribute to IND-enabling documentation and GMP transition.
• Collaborate with academia and biotech partners; present findings.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant applications, and technical reports.

Skills

AAV vector production

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

BSL-2 biosafety practices

Regulatory/compliance familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, virology, or related field

Master's or Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, virology, or a related field

Tools

qPCR

ddPCR

ELISA

Western blot

Gibson assembly

Job description

Job ID: 372993
Location: Twin Cities
Job Family: Research
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Code: 8354LS
Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

Summary

The Schmidt Research Group at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) is seeking a motivated Life Science Research Professional with aspirations to become a project manager and supervisor.

Our research group engineers next-generation AAV gene therapy vectors, developing programmable nanobody-AAV composites for precision cell-type targeting, multi-trait deep mutational scanning to map capsid function, and novel protein delivery systems using AAV as a therapeutic packaging vehicle. We are seeking research professionals with expertise and interest in viral vector engineering, advanced cell culture and biomanufacturing, and clinical translation of gene therapy.

We are well-funded by NIH, NSF, and industry grants, offer opportunities for growth, and personalized mentoring plan tailored to your career goals.

Learn more at schmidt-lab.org

Position Responsibilities

Research & Experimentation: (70%)

• Design and execute AAV vector production, purification, and quality control workflows
• Develop and optimize advanced mammalian cell culture systems for viral vector manufacturing
• Perform functional characterization of engineered AAV capsid variants, including tropism, transduction efficiency, and payload delivery

Translation & Compliance: (20%)

• Support scale-up of AAV biomanufacturing processes toward preclinical and clinical-grade production
• Maintain compliance with biosafety protocols and relevant regulatory standards for gene therapy vectors
• Contribute to documentation supporting IND-enabling studies and GMP transition Collaboration &

Communication: (10%)

• Work closely with academic and industry partners (including biotech collaborators) to advance translational milestones
• Present research findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and technical reports

All required qualifications must be documented in application materials

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, virology, or a related field plus at least five (5) years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on industry experience to equal at least nine (9) years.
• Hands-on experience with AAV or other viral vector production, including transfection-based manufacturing, iodixanol or affinity-based purification, and titer quantification (ddPCR, qPCR, ELISA)
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, Gibson assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, Western blot)
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including HEK293 or suspension cell systems * Familiarity with biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory practices and regulatory compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, virology, or a related field.
• Experience with capsid engineering, directed evolution, or deep mutational scanning approaches
• Background in nanobody or antibody engineering and validation
• Exposure to GMP or cGMP manufacturing environments, or experience supporting IND-enabling or preclinical studies
• Familiarity with gene therapy regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA)
• Experience with flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, or in vivo rodent models for vector characterization
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, R, or similar) for processing high-throughput sequencing or variant library data Professional Attributes

Professional Attributes

• Strong record of scientific rigor, attention to detail, and reproducibility
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to publications or technical reports
• Enthusiasm for translational science and bridging academic discovery with clinical application

The Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development comprises faculty from both the Medical School and the College of Biological Sciences. Faculty members are engaged in research in three key disciplines of the department-genetics, cell biology and developmental biology.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $32.70 - $38.47; 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.

• 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

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).