Temporary Researcher Professional 1 - Microbiology

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and generous time of

Tuition benefit program

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Job summary

The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis is seeking a dedicated researcher support specialist to assist senior researchers in studying Fusarium head blight (FHB). This in-person, grant-funded role spans a one-year initial term beginning January 2027, with strong potential for extension.

Responsibilities include culturing Fusarium isolates, preparing inoculum, field inoculations, and seed processing. The position emphasizes leadership, meticulous record-keeping, and supervision of

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree in the biological sciences (or a combination of relevant work experience to equal at least four years).
• Experience with sterile techniques; culturing and storing of fungal isolates; field research and general lab management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to supervise undergraduate students and coordinate activities.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, single-spore and store Fusarium cultures from infected seed samples using sterile techniques (20%).
• Produce inoculum of Fusarium for inoculation of cereal plots in the field (60%).
• Inoculation of field plots and assessment of disease severity (10%).
• Processing of harvested seeds for subsequent laboratory analyses (10%).

Skills

Organizational skills

Leadership

Detail-oriented

Education

B.S./B.A. in biological sciences

Job description

About the Job

The individual selected for this position will support senior researchers working on the important fungal disease of Fusarium head blight (FHB) at the University of Minnesota. This is a 100% full-time, grant-funded position with an initial appointment for a one-year term starting in January 2027, with strong potential for extension; a performance review will take place at the end of the year. This is a 100% time, fully in-person position expected to last from January 2027 - January 2028.

The research team is seeking a highly motivated individual with exceptional organizational skills to join a collaborative research program. In this key role, the selected candidate will perform essential pathological and laboratory tasks while managing critical research infrastructure.

Primary responsibilities include isolating, single-sporing, and storing Fusarium species from plant samples, as well as increasing fungal inoculum for field evaluations of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance in small grain cereals (wheat, barley, and oat). Additional duties include executing field plot inoculations, assessing FHB severity across host genotypes, and processing harvested seeds for laboratory analyses. This position requires strong leadership and detail-oriented coordination to manage isolate records, maintain supply inventories, calibrate laboratory equipment, supervise undergraduate students, and provide vital support to senior researchers.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Duties

• Isolate, single-spore and store Fusarium cultures from infected seed samples using sterile techniques (20%)


• Produce inoculum of Fusarium for inoculation of cereal plots in the field (60%)


• Inoculation of field plots and assessment of disease severity (10%)


• Processing of harvested seeds for subsequent laboratory analyses (10%)

Qualifications

Required

• B.A./B.S. degree in the biological sciences (or a related field) or a combination of relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

Preferred

• Experience with sterile techniques; culturing and storing of fungal isolates; field research; and general lab management.


• Highly motivated individuals with exception organizational skills are preferred for this collaborative research program.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.64 - $28.43 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, Temporary (1-Year)

Position Type: Civil-Service

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.