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University of Minnesota

Research Professional 2-Preclinical Research - Department of Neuroscience

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400


About the Job

Department of Neuroscience and Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science, University of Minnesota, MN We are seeking a Research Professional 2 for the Integrated Circuit Neuroscience labs (icnlabs.org), which are part of the Department of Neuroscience and the Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. The labs are located at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), home to some of the most advanced MR instrumentation in the world. In addition, the Optical Imaging team has access to state-of-the-art single- and multiphoton instruments for cellular resolution calcium and voltage imaging in behaving animals. The multipopulation voltage imaging technique, developed by the principal investigators (see refs.: Kannan, Vasan et al., Nature Methods, 2018; Science, 2022) is uniquely poised to provide insights into the dynamics of genetically targeted neuron types in cortical and subcortical areas, during rodent behavior, at single-neuron, single-spike resolution. Position Responsibilities

80% - Perform Laboratory Research:

The candidate will work closely with the principal investigators to carry out high-throughput protein engineering and platform-based screening of genetically encoded indicators of neuronal activity. They will participate in creating novel optogenetic/CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing tools to aid our investigations of brain function in health and disease with single-neuron, single-spike precision. The candidate will establish standard operating procedures to run our automated voltage-screening platform and participate in data curation and management. The approach aims to create ultrasensitive protein sensors for targeted voltage imaging in behaving mice. To this end, the candidate will also be involved in our animal colony maintenance and perform stereotaxic rodent surgeries such as intracranial viral vector injections. 20% - Laboratory Management and Upkeep:

The candidate will contribute ~20% of their effort to lab management, including ordering supplies and training incoming personnel, under the advice of the PIs. Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials Required Qualifications: * A bachelor's degree, with 2 years of laboratory experience, in molecular biology, neurobiology, or related fields, or biomedical engineering; or a combination of education and experience to equal 6 years. * Experience with (a) molecular biology techniques such as PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, recombinant DNA cloning using Gibson assembly, (b) aseptic techniques involving eukaryotic cell culture (immortalized cell lines and primary neurons), plasmid DNA transfections, (c) biochemical techniques such as column-based protein purification, and/or (d) live cell fluorescence imaging/immunohistochemistry. Preferred Qualifications: * A master's degree with at least 2 years of academic research experience in molecular biology, neurobiology, or related fields, or biomedical engineering. * Prior experience with stereotaxic rodent surgeries and small animal imaging and/or histology is desired. * Familiarity with DNA and protein bioinformatics tools and knowledge of programming languages, such as MATLAB, are a plus. About the Department

The

Department of Neuroscience

is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center. Center for Magnetic Resonance Research

(CMRR), funded as a Biotechnology Research Center (BTRC) by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) until 2012 and by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) since then, focuses on the development of unique magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy methodologies and instrumentation for the acquisition of structural, functional, and biochemical information non-invasively in humans, and utilizing this capability to investigate organ function in health and disease. Learn more about CMRR at

https://www.cmrr.umn.edu/about/ Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:

$23.00 - $25.00 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment:

75%-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: 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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).

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