Staff Research Scientist - (Research Professional 6)

About the Job

The Bronstein and Widge labs in the University of Minnesota
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences are jointly
seeking a staff research scientist (Research Professional 6) for a
project focused on personalized, non-invasive neuromodulation to
improve thoughts of suicide and other mental health outcomes. A
competitive applicant will have previous experience with
neuromodulation or neuroimaging research, a strong track record of
success as an individual and team contributor to scientific
endeavors, and the ability to balance oversight and coordination
between teams and other administrative duties with scientific
output. Previous work on complex, fast paced, interdisciplinary
efforts is a plus.

A successful applicant will be responsible for activities such as
integrating scientific content from multiple teams into
high-quality program progress reports, tracking team progress
against project milestones and proactively recommending and acting
on solutions as problems arise, as well as guiding and indirectly
overseeing less senior team members as they execute day-to-day
aspects of the research project. The applicant will need to solve
complex problems and design protocols, procedures, and policies to
fulfill the research objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to be involved in the rapid movement
of an intervention that could dramatically change standard of care
from preliminary data to fully powered tests.

Job responsibilities:

• (25%) Play a hands-on role in areas of the project relevant to

your research expertise. Person will be expected to make scientific
and programmatic decisions with limited oversight, consulting as
needed with PI. They will be expected to select and monitor
strategic directions for day-to- day level operations. Make
evidence-based key decisions in those areas with limited oversight
and high effectiveness. Coordinate actively with other team members
to maximize scientific productivity.

• (25%) Integrate research findings from members of various

scientific teams, describe how they advance planned
tasks/milestones, and ultimately produce high-quality peer-reviewed
publications, reports for the public, sponsor briefings, and
presentations. Additional reporting may also include summary
reports of critical deliverables, identifying key achievements, and
translating these into sponsor-relevant language. The role will
also initiate, monitor, and adjust as needed, scientific directions
of relevant projects. Person will be in charge of overseeing,
implementing, adjusting extant strategic directions and making as
many strategic decisions as possible within the scope of their
expertise as independently as possible.

• (25%) Collaborate with investigators, project managers, and other

study staff to manage project planning operations. Guide less
senior team members through routine decisions as they execute
day-to-day scientific activities on the project. This will include
mentoring and serving as an example to research staff in the
ethical conduct of research. Provide strategic direction and
proactively identify when goals are not being met or roadblocks
arise, recommend potential solutions include staff
hiring/termination. The individual will also lead the manuscript
preparation and writing, including serving as the author or
co-author.

• (10%) Develop and modify practices and procedures to improve

efficiency and quality to effectively achieve end results.

• (10%) Manage complexities of multi-institution contracts,

agreements, and coordination, as well as bring relevant
stakeholders together to overcome roadblocks. Individual will also
contribute to maintaining current funding, including overseeing
budget planning and

management. Person will be expected to proactively create
deliverables for current grants, and will be expected to be capable
of creating and editing administrative documents for new grant
submissions.

• (5%) Serve as a scientific representative on various committees

and teams making decisions and recommendations on behalf of the
project.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Advanced degree with substantial research and publication
record

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a

similar field.

• Evidence of scientific productivity (e.g., in peer-reviewed

publications) in areas such as neuroimaging, neuromodulation,
suicidology, or the study of severe mental illness.

About the Department

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of
an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who
provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment,
scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental

health

• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to

alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental
resilience

• Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will

be leaders in Minnesota and beyond

• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on

issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and
research

You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry
.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: The salary range is $115,000 - $140,000/year,
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 have the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume
or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.