Researcher 4

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE DOCUMENTED IN APPLICATION MATERIALS.

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, post-graduate coursework or experience in website development, plus a minimum of 4 years of experience actively managing a complex murine colony. Skill set must include a working knowledge of animal husbandry, colony management and work flow for drug intervention studies from experimental design to tissue banking. Analysis of complex data sets using Prism is required. In addition, the applicant must have programming skills to optimize and run the Laboratory Information Management System.

Preferred Qualifications:
Special consideration will be given to applicants with a working knowledge of molecular biology and experience using MS Excel, MS Access, VBA, HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, C++ and C# Programming.

About the Job

Summary of Position:
This individual will have sole responsibility for the development and maintenance of our unique database called Mouse Cloud. The data base is used by multiple laboratories to manage a complex mouse colony shared by members of large programmatic federal grants. This individual will write code to extend the capabilities of the Mouse Cloud database with the ultimate goals of i) creating a complete health record including all pre-mortem and post-mortem analyses of each mouse in the colony; and ii) creating new functions for the database so that animals, experiments and samples can be queried easily and tracked. The candidate will also be responsible for organizing large datasets, data analysis, graphing and statistics, including imaging, healthspan and behavioral study datasets.

Essential Functions:
50% MouseCloud Software Engineering, Maintenance and Troubleshooting (essential)

Write and maintain all the computer coded functions (VBA, SQL) for MouseCloud. These functions include solutions for laboratory logistics, resource sharing and record keeping. Expand MouseCloud for further development, funding and eventual use by other labs.

25% Data Analysis (essential)

Generate figures from data collected in the animal colony by running statistical analysis using JMP, PRISIM and R software. Summarizing large data sets into concise, straightforward figures.

25% MouseCloud System Integrity (essential)

Data organization and standardize collection practices. Maintain file structures for easy data retrieval, create templates and write SOPs.

Lab Research Summary:
A Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Laura Niedernhofer. Our research program is focused on investigating the underlying causes of aging. We use mouse models extensively, employing both genetic and pharmacologic approaches to interrogate mechanisms of aging. Aging is investigated in vivo by measuring senescence, frailty, organ function and behavior. The candidate will join an exciting research environment in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and the Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The position offers exceptional training in colony management, software design, aging, age-related disease and pre-clinical testing of drugs.

About the Department

The department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer; developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology; and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics. We organize ourselves into research divisions with emphases on Chemical and Structural Biology, Metabolic and Systems Biology, Molecular Biology and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. We are housed in new buildings with state-of-the-art research and support facilities.

How To Apply

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. Both must be attached.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there.

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

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.

Background Check Information

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 the U of M

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.