Research Technician - Life Sciences

Researcher 1 (8351LS) - Research Technician, Life Sciences

Cryopreservation for Transplant and Regenerative Medicine

Overview: This Researcher 1 position supports a highly collaborative effort co-led by Professor Erik Finger (Surgery) and Professor John Bischof (Mechanical Engineering) focused on cutting-edge research to enable the long-term, cryopreserved storage of organs and tissues for transplant and regenerative medicine. It is ideal for someone seeking research experience before
attending medical or graduate school. The candidate will work under the mentorship of Dr. Finger as part of a team that includes several postdoctoral (MD) researchers.

Background: Transplantation, regenerative medicine, and cell-based therapies are rapidly developing areas of research that offer significant potential for improving human health.
However, one of the greatest barriers to their translation is the inability to apply these therapies when and where needed. Ex vivo biological systems have a limited shelf life, and donor
transplant organs and tissues remain viable for only hours. Engineered cells and tissues can be cultured, but they typically require great effort and cost, along with limited ability to be
transported prior to treatment. The ability to cryopreserve organs, tissues, and cells and provide them "on-demand" would transform how these lifesaving therapies are utilized. The labs of
Professors John Bischof (Mechanical Engineering) and Erik Finger (Surgery), through the University of Minnesota (UMN) Organ and Tissue Preservation Center and the NSF Engineering
Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio), are seeking a motivated research technician to help make this a reality. We have recently published our ability to cryopreserve and rewarm (rat) organs while maintaining viability and function (Han and Rao et al. Nature Comm 2023) and the capability of cryopreserved islets
to enable a cure for diabetes (Zhan and Rao et al. Nature Med 2022). We plan to continue developing these approaches towards clinical scale and translation over the next several years,
supported by three NIH R01s, the NSF ERC ATP-Bio, and several other awards. This includes work on transplanting kidneys, livers, and liver cells and tissues, as well as pancreatic islets,
reproductive organs, hearts, and cardiac systems, among many other developing applications.

This is a highly collaborative effort that offers extensive opportunities for training, networking, and mentorship, suitable for graduate school, medical school, or industry.
Experimental surgeries are a routine part of our work and will provide interested candidates with the chance to observe and assist with such procedures. Candidates will contribute to multiple
research projects. Opportunities for independent projects and contributions to publications may
exist for high-performing candidates. Specific job responsibilities include:

Organ cryopreservation studies and transplantation-50%

• Support for rodent and large animal surgeries and ex vivo organ perfusion.
• Biological characterization and assessments.
• Cell and tissue culture.
• Animal (rodent) care; microscopy (including confocal imaging); chemical and thermal
  characterization; micro-CT imaging.
• Running ELISAs and other in vitro assays.
  
  

Preparation of complex solutions based on established protocols-25%

• Preparation of cryoprotective agent solutions, organ perfusion media, and organ
  preservation solutions.
  

General Team and Lab Duties-25%

• General lab maintenance (cleaning, ordering, waste removal, forms/organization).
• Documentation, SOPs, data summaries, and reporting.
• Team meetings.
  
  

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required qualifications:

- BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Engineering, or related field, OR a combination of relevant education and work experience to equal at least four years
- Prior benchtop experience working in a biomedical, chemistry, or medical research lab
- Hands-on experience with animal models
- Rodent animal care (including blood draws)
- Cell and tissue culture
- Cryopreservation protocols and characterization
- Data processing and statistical analysis
- Strong communication skills
- Desire to work as a member of a highly collaborative team
- Motivated to build skills and resume through biomedical research
- Competence with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred qualifications:
- Performing biological characterization and assessments
- Quantitative chemistry - concentration calculations, pH titrations, and accurate & precise
solution production
- Microscopy (including confocal microscopy)
- Micro-CT imaging
- Presenting technical and scientific data
- Maintaining and organizing lab space

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.

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery

Pay Range: $20.00 - $24.38; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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:

• 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).