<p>About the Job</p> <p>This position will be in a new lab in the Department of Radiation Oncology opening in September 2025. The principal investigator, Xiaojing Huang, is a physician-scientist who studies the impact of systemic metabolic physiology on cancer outcomes. There are two primary areas of research in the lab. The first is how adipose tissue responds to radiation to influence metabolic health and immune function in cancer patients. The second is investigating the mechanisms by which obesity influences cancer biology and response to treatment. The lab has a strong translational focus that bridges human subjects research and mechanistic molecular and cell biology using appropriate models. This position, which includes close scientific and career mentorship from the PI, is ideal for candidates seeking to build a strong research foundation before applying to competitive MD, PhD, or MD-PhD programs as part of a long-term career in biomedicine.</p> <p>The candidate is expected to follow best research practices including careful documentation of experiments and data, effective communication to ensure safety and reliability, and following all relevant ethical and regulatory guidelines.</p> <p>Job Title: Research Professional 1</p> <p>Job Code: 8351BD</p> <p>FTE: 1.0</p> <p>Reports to: Dr. Xiaojing Huang</p> <p>Work Arrangement: The position is expected to work primarily on-site. Your work location will be 425 E River Parkway. The Department retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.</p> <p>Responsibilities:</p> <p>75% Research and Data Analysis¬-</p> <p>Beginning under supervision from PI and transitioning to independence according to skill and interest, candidate can expect to engage in activities such as:</p> <ul> <li>Mammalian cell culture maintenance and experimentation with cancer lines, adipocytes, and immune cells, including both primary cell preparations and immortalized cell lines </li><li>Molecular cloning </li><li>Characterization of animal models of cancer and cancer treatment, including: </li></ul> <p>o Injection of cancer cells into mice</p> <p>o Irradiation of mice using SARRP (Small Animal Radiation Therapy Platform)</p> <p>o Metabolic phenotyping of mice (e.g. glucose and insulin tolerance tests)</p> <p>o Mouse imaging</p> <p>o Dissection of euthanized animals to harvest tissues for molecular studies such as gene, protein, or metabolite expression</p> <ul> <li>Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics </li><li>Analysis of large datasets from 'omics platforms and/or human patient databases </li></ul> <p>25%: General Lab Management¬-</p> <ul> <li>Maintain a small mouse colony with limited genotypes </li><li>Monitor lab inventory and equipment </li><li>Record-keeping </li><li>Ensure samples and materials are received and stored properly </li><li>Maintain lab cleanliness and compliance with safety and other regulations </li><li>Other duties as assigned </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.</p> <p>Required Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>BA/BS in a biological science, chemistry, or bioengineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling at least four years </li><li>Experience with key laboratory techniques, including at least one of: </li></ul> <p>o Cell or tissue culture</p> <p>o Western blotting</p> <p>o PCR</p> <ul> <li>Prior expose to a laboratory setting through coursework or work experience </li><li>Analytical Skills: </li></ul> <p>o Proficiency in analyzing experimental data, including basic statistics</p> <p>o Ability to problem solve or troubleshoot unexpected results</p> <ul> <li>Project Management: </li></ul> <p>o Ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects under supervision</p> <ul> <li>Soft Skills: </li></ul> <p>o Highly self-motivated and able to work independently</p> <p>o Strong commitment to maintaining a clean and compliant laboratory environment</p> <p>o Willingness and capacity to learn new techniques under supervision from PI or other experts</p> <p>o Strong verbal and written communication skills</p> <p>o Strong organizational skills</p> <p>o Time management</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Experience with rodent handling </li><li>Programming experience (R, Python, or other data science languages) </li><li>At least a two-year commitment to the lab </li></ul> <p>Pay and Benefits</p> <p>Pay Range: $26.00 - $30.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience</p> <p>Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)</p> <p>Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff</p> <p>Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.</p> <p>The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:</p> <ul> <li>Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off </li><li>Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program </li><li>Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans </li><li>Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts </li><li>University HSA contributions </li><li>Disability and employer-paid life insurance </li><li>Employee wellbeing program </li><li>Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution </li><li>Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity </li><li>Financial counseling services </li><li>Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost </li><li>Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area </li></ul> <p>How To Apply</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.</p> <p>Diversity</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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</p> <p>Employment Requirements</p> <p>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.</p> <p>About the U of M</p> <p>The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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).</p>