Temporary Research Associate Caixeta Dairy Lab

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a temporary research support role in the Dairy Production Medicine laboratories. The position focuses on training and mentoring students and staff, assisting with field sample collection, and helping with manuscript and grant proposal preparation.

Primary duties include overseeing research projects, maintaining SOPs, and contributing to laboratory operations while coordinating with farm schedules and academic timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or closely related field
• At least 4 years in a laboratory/dairy cattle research setting, or a combination to equal 8 years
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including qPCR and DNA/RNA extraction
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to lead and mentor
• Demonstrated productivity and ability to work independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Write and edit manuscripts and grant proposals with principal investigators
• Oversee ongoing research projects and quality control of laboratory processes
• Manage, train, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and laboratory personnel
• Develop educational modules related to dairy cattle welfare
• Support student projects involving routine and non-routine sample processing

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership experience

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or Veterinary Science

4+ years lab/dairy research or 8+ years total education/experience

Tools

qPCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Job description

About the Job

This position provides support to laboratory management, research execution, and administrative oversight for an applied dairy research laboratory led by Dr. Luciano Caixeta. The primary function of this role is to train and mentor students and staff, assist with field sample collection, and assist with writing manuscripts and grant proposals. This role directly supports the department's research goals by ensuring high-quality laboratory processes and project execution in dairy production medicine.

Temporary position - up to 67 days of work. Includes lab work, office tasks, and field sample collection. Some activities depend on farm schedules and may occur on weekdays or weekends, with field work typically starting early in the morning.

Responsibilties:

50% Research, Writing, and Team Leadership

• Write and edit manuscripts and grant proposals in collaboration with principal investigators
• Oversee ongoing research projects and quality control of laboratory processes
• Manage, train, and mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and laboratory personnel
• Develop educational modules and materials related to dairy cattle welfare
• Support student projects involving routine and non-routine sample processing

25% Field Research and Sample Collection

• Lead field research activities across partner sites
• Collect blood samples from adult cows and calves
• Perform visual locomotion scoring on dairy cows
• Collect uterine samples from dairy cows

25% Laboratory Operations and Administration

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and logs
• Manage laboratory inventory, purchasing, and equipment maintenance
• Manage sample submission, tracking, and quality assurance
• Develop and troubleshoot novel assays and advanced laboratory techniques

Location: Dairy Production Medicine laboratories in the Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine

Work Environment: Hybrid (at least 1 day a week in office and 4 days remote).

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or a closely related field and at least 4 years of experience working in a laboratory and/or dairy cattle research setting; OR a combination of related education and experience to equal at least 8 years
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR and DNA/RNA extraction
• Coursework and/or hands‑on experience in statistical analysis and biostatistics
• Demonstrated experience managing a diverse team and a broad portfolio of research activities
• Proven problem‑solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated productivity and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

About the Department

The Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM) department specializes in population and individual animal medicine focusing on large animals' health and production, biomedical science, and ecosystem and public health. Our faculty members conduct animal and public‑health‑focused research to better diagnose, treat, and prevent animal disease, as well as diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Faculty provide clinical instruction in medicine, diseases, surgery, production medicine, public health and reproduction of domestic large‑animal species and are home to faculty in clinics, epidemiology, veterinary public health, and pathology. Faculty members provide clinical services for animals, diagnostic services to animal owners, and continuing education and extension programs for veterinarians and animal owners.

Teaching

The Veterinary Population Medicine Department provides clinical instruction in medicine, surgery, production medicine, diagnostics and reproduction of domestic large‑animal species and is home to faculty in epidemiology, veterinary public health, and pathology. The department provides residency training in large animal medicine, surgery, pathology, and veterinary public health and preventive veterinary medicine and works with students in the Veterinary Sciences, and Comparative and Molecular Biosciences graduate programs.

Research

Faculty members conduct animal and public‑health‑focused research to better diagnose, eliminate and prevent animal disease, as well as diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Service

Faculty members provide clinical services for animals in the Leatherdale Equine Center and Large Animal Hospital, as well as diagnostic services to animal owners through the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. They consult with producers and veterinarians in the community, provide continuing education and extension programs for veterinarians and animal owners, and play an active role in the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, John Fetrow Dairy Education Center, Equine Center, and the Swine Disease Eradication Center.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30-$33/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.