Research Professional 1

The SONIC Lab (specializing in pre-clinical research) and TESSLab (specializing in clinical/human studies) are developing new non-invasive and minimally invasive medical technology platforms of the future to help people suffering from hearing disorders, pain, inflammation and infection, including COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Learn more at soniclab.umn.edu.

A key area of focus will be on a multi-million dollar initiative supported at the University of Minnesota called the Research Evaluating Vagal Excitation and Anatomical Links (REVEAL) Study. This research is investigating the acute and chronic effects of implanted, electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on a variety of body systems, including autonomic, cardiovascular, immune and metabolic through minimally invasive recordings and blood draws. The participants in this study are those that have been diagnosed with drug resistant epilepsy or major depressive disorder, and have received or will receive a VNS implant as is clinically indicated to treat those conditions. The primary purpose is investigating how VNS
can affect those body systems, depending on the stimulation parameters. Learn more at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06143293.

Job Duties: (the following description does not include all possible tasks and does not limit assignment of other related tasks.)
The individual will perform basic tasks for clinical research investigating various stimulation techniques that are being explored across multiple projects, including a novel therapy for COVID-19 and other inflammatory disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis, and exploratory metrics of VNS on drug resistant epilepsy and major depressive disorder. Critical to all aspects of this role will be to ensure that research tasks are following the approved protocols and procedures, while maintaining accordance with regulatory and university requirements. This work could be in the REVEAL project, or other future studies.

50% - Support scientific projects in the laboratory, and with clinical and industry collaborators. This includes being trained in and performing standardized wet lab techniques and protocols for assessing immune function, and processing samples for later genomic or biomarker analysis of our clinical trials. Some tasks will involve data entry and management, tabulation of biological/imaging data from medical records, quality control of the medical data, cell handling and preservation. Additionally, sample itemizing and storage of collections that occur at the University and at collaborating sites will be critical.

50% - Perform interactions with human participants in studies, involving biometric gathering devices, including ambulatory blood pressure, ECG, and other metrics, and electrical and ultrasound stimulation and imaging of the body. The candidate will be trained on the protocols and methods that are required for each project, recruit/consent subjects into the studies, monitor procedures to ensure safety of the staff and subjects, collect and analyze data from study participants, and oversee preparation and accurate management of documentation. The candidate will also assist in preparing reports and presentations, and be involved in meetings and discussions with clinicians, industry partners, and other
researchers.

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS or combination of related education and work experience to equal 4 years.
* Experience and interest in biology or medicine
* Ability to collect and manage electronic data and analyze/interpret collected data
* High attention to detail and data management skills
* Ability to ensure that project tasks are completed in an ethically, scientifically, rigorous and timely manner

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience working in a laboratory or clinical research setting, or experience working with patients
* Experience with online database such as REDCap, Epic or similar data collection programs, along with basic skills in office software
* Experience with customer service, public facing projects and/or experience working with patients

To learn more about the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/ent.

• Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
• The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations
• Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.
  

Pay Range:$48,156- $53,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 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).