Research Professional 5-Preclinical Research

About the Job

Job Summary:

The Research Professional 5 serves as a senior scientific and
operational leader within a research laboratory focused on the
neural control of breathing, mechanisms of spinal cord
neuroplasticity, and functional recovery following cervical spinal
cord injury (SCI) using preclinical rodent models (currently
supported by NIH and State of Minnesota grants).

Operating with a high degree of independence, this role provides
technical expertise, logistical coordination, and supervisory
leadership across ongoing and emerging research initiatives. The
Researcher 5 is responsible for designing and executing complex
experimental protocols, interpreting multi-faceted data,
contributing to scientific literature, and driving new research
directions to advance the laboratory's core mission. Additionally,
this position directs the laboratory’s robust undergraduate
research pipeline and provides high-level technical training and
expertise to graduate and postdoctoral researchers to ensure
project progression, timely completion, and scientific
dissemination.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

50% Primary Research Execution: Design and conduct experiments
based on ongoing research projects in the lab, including studies
involving respiratory neural function, spinal cord injury, sex
hormone biology, and neuroplasticity. This will be a combination of
individually led experiments/studies and team
experiments/studies.

20% Supervisory & Technical Direction: Provide direction and
supervision to others in the lab by instructing on techniques,
processes, and procedures.

10% Literature Research & Synthesis: Research and analyze
literature related to research studies; present information and
make recommendations to advance current studies.

10% Data Analysis & Interpretation: Analyze and interpret data
compiled from research experiments, and recommend to the PI
analytical outcomes and how experimental results impact hypotheses
or research objectives.

10% Dissemination & Manuscript Contribution: Contribute to
manuscripts as it relates to the research studies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience or physiology with one (1) or more years of

research training.

• Experience working with in vivo rodent models of respiratory

neural control.

• First author and middle author publications in peer reviewed

journals on respiratory physiology or neuroplasticity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in one or more of the following:
• Working with laboratory rodents (handling, dissections,

surgery, etc…).

• Rodent behavioral measures including whole body barometric

plethysmography.

• In vivo electrophysiology or neural physiology recording

techniques.

• CNS histology including immunohistochemistry, fluorescent

microscopy, and In-situ hybridization (e.g., RNAscope).

• Other lab techniques including cell culture, immunoblotting,

ELISA, PCR, biochemistry/metabolism assays, mass spectrometry.

• Presenting research at conferences.
• Teaching experience or serving as graduate teaching assistant

to demonstrate educational leadership and teamwork.

About the Department

Family Medicine and Community Health

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the
University of Minnesota was created more than 50 years ago in
response to a legislative mandate to train primary care physicians.
Since then, we have been leaders in transforming the specialty
through education, research, and patient care. We are the academic
sponsor of ten family medicine residencies—five in the Twin Cities,
five in Greater Minnesota. We are involved in medical student
education activities across the Medical School's three campuses:
Twin Cities, Duluth, and Saint Cloud. We sponsor five fellowship
programs—sports medicine, hospice and palliative medicine,
behavioral medicine, clinical informatics, and human sexuality— and
offer continuing medical education opportunities. We are regularly
among the top National Institutes of Health-funded family medicine
departments. Our faculty are actively researching health
disparities, healthcare delivery, and population health. More at
https://med.umn.edu/familymedicine
.

Division of Physical Therapy

The Division of Physical Therapy creates and integrates innovative
research discoveries, education, and practice to develop scholarly,
collaborative physical therapists and rehabilitation scientists who
advance health care and disease prevention for diverse communities
in Minnesota and beyond. More information may be found at https://med.umn.edu/fmch/physical-therapy
.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $92,000 to $98,000 annually ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

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.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.