Research Professional 1 - Department of Neuroscience

The Midavaine Laboratory investigates how sex hormones, reproductive states, and immune signals reshape the nervous system to regulate pain, sensory function, and reproductive physiology. We work at the intersection of neuroscience, endocrinology, immunology, and reproductive biology to understand why pain and sensory processing differ between females and males, how physiological states such as pregnancy remodel neural circuits, and how maternal experiences can shape sensory function across generations.

Our long-term goal is to uncover the molecular and circuit mechanisms that make the female nervous system dynamically adaptable-and to leverage these mechanisms to develop new therapeutic strategies for chronic pain and disorders of sensory and reproductive function.

A central theme of the lab is hormone-dependent plasticity of sensory neurons. Our recent work established that meningeal regulatory T cells inhibit nociception in female mice through an enkephalin--opioid receptor pathway that is dependent on ovarian hormones (Midavaine et al., Science, 2025). Building on this discovery, we are investigating how hormonal transitions reshape this circuit and reprogram sensory neurons, spinal glia, and brain circuits across the lifespan, from development through pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Representative publication: Midavaine E, Moraes BC, Benitez J, et al. Meningeal regulatory T cells inhibit nociception in female mice. Science 388:96-104 (2025).

The lab combines mouse genetics, neuroendocrine manipulation, single-cell and spatial genomics, epigenomics, in vivo calcium imaging, whole-organ and whole-brain imaging, molecular pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience to investigate neural plasticity from molecules and cells to integrated sensory circuits.

The Midavaine Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Professional 1 (Junior Researcher / Laboratory Technician) to join our research team. This position is ideal for a recent college graduate seeking hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate, medical, or other professional training.
The Research Professional will conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and support laboratory operations while developing increasing technical and scientific independence. The position offers training and meaningful research experience in neuroscience, neuroimmunology, reproductive biology, and molecular and cellular techniques.

Potential Start Date: January 2027

Responsibilities
Research and experimentation - ~65%
* Perform experiments using molecular, cellular, imaging, and behavioral approaches, including PCR/qPCR, genotyping, histology, tissue culture, and tissue processing.
* Assist with mouse-based experiments; collect, organize, and perform basic analysis of experimental data.
* Maintain accurate research records, follow established protocols, and develop increasing independence in experimental execution and troubleshooting.

Laboratory management and research support - ~25%
* Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, samples, inventories, and shared research resources.
* Support mouse colony records, laboratory equipment, protocols, and organization of research materials and data.

Lab and scientific community - ~10%
* Participate in lab meetings and journal clubs and present research updates as appropriate.
* Read relevant scientific literature and develop familiarity with the scientific questions underlying assigned projects.
* Work collaboratively with the PI and other laboratory members and contribute to a supportive and rigorous research environment.

All required qualifications must be outlined in application materials.

Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related scientific discipline, OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
* Previous hands-on laboratory or research experience and ability to follow experimental protocols and maintain accurate records.
* Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented, with strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with molecular or cellular laboratory techniques such as PCR/qPCR, genotyping, histology, microscopy, tissue culture, or related methods.
* Experience with laboratory animal models and/or research in neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, endocrinology, or a related area.
* Experience with data analysis or quantitative tools such as Excel, R, ImageJ/Fiji, or similar software.

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.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
5. Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.
6. Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $23.00/hour to $25.00/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.