Researcher 4 - Lab Manager - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Position Summary:
Recognized as an expert in research work. Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise to competently carry out duties. Interprets internal or external issues and recommends solutions/best practices. Solves complex and varied problems; takes a broad disciplinary perspective to identify solutions. Coordinates research efforts for the entire laboratory including managing equipment, supply chains and personnel. Also manages a large complex research project. Additionally, develops their own research projects performing experiments, analyzing data, and writing drafts of manuscripts. Supervisory responsibilities including assign work, oversee and direct the work of staff.

Responsibilities:
40%: Manage day to day laboratory operations (shipping and receiving, ordering supplies, inventory, supervising undergraduate student workers). Ensure that the lab is properly stocked, organized and clean. Oversee the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, mouse colony management, and provide training.

30%: Manage a large complex research project with collaborators within and outside the U of M and several people within the lab. This project involves generating constructs for work with Cryptococcus neoformans and other fungal pathogens of interest, performing in vitro assays with pathogenic fungi as well as in vivo mouse infections experiments. As part of a successful project, perform experiments, analyzes data, and write drafts of manuscripts for publishing. Collaborate with PI and other lab members to contribute to the preparation of grant applications.

20%: Supervision of researcher 1s and undergraduate student employees. Support scientists in the laboratory and conduct investigation in an assigned area to aid in the solution of a research problem (standard virology techniques and applying new techniques as needed) and prepare data for publication.

10%: Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS in Microbiology or related field and at least 5 years of experience or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
Senior individual contributor who often is a designated lead or who frequently is assigned project leadership roles within a function or similarly sized organization usually in the same discipline.
Experience with flow cytometry and/or fluorescence microscopy.

Preferred Qualifications:
At least one year of experience in working with fungal pathogens with a focus on fungal cultures and in vitro lab experimentations.
Experience with mice handling and assays involving mice infection.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay Range: $34 to $40 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.