Casual Research Support - Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology

About the Job

Casual Job Description (Williams Lab, IBP)

Position Overview:

The Williams Lab in the Center for Immunology, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, is seeking a temporary/casual researcher to join our team. Our research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which monocytes and macrophages contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease progression. The successful candidate will assist on a cutting-edge research project leveraging murine models of cardiovascular disease, advanced immunologic approaches, and innovative imaging techniques to identify and validate new mechanisms of disease.

Successful applicants will have experience performing independent and collaborative research, exploring molecular mechanisms of monocytes and macrophages in the regulation of atherosclerosis. The position involves handling cells under sterile conditions and required experience in murine artery dissection procedures. Finally, they will also participate in general laboratory activities, such as presenting in lab meetings, maintaining clean lab environment, and maintaining appropriate notebook.

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 100%

• Conduct animal research-including, but not limited to mouse handling, metabolic phenotyping, body composition, food intake, and sacrificing
• Collect tissue and fluid samples from experimental animals; store and analyze the tissue (e.g., histology, cytokine assays, flow cytometry, etc.)
• Perform sterile cell culture and related assays (lipid loading, cell proliferation, survival, efferocytosis, etc.)
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions
• Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience culturing cell lines in biosafety hood, preferred experience with macrophage lineages.
• Experience in murine models of cardiovascular disease and dissection of major vascular beds.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and work with senior researchers.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science, with competency in mathematics and statistics for data analysis
• Proficiency and independence in designing well-controlled and ethical experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results
• Experience in murine genetics and genotyping, ability to handle mice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced technical skills in high-parameter spectral flow cytometry, fluorescence confocal microscopy, 2-photon microscopy, or bioinformatics
• Familiarity with analysis software: Graphpad, Imaris, flowjo, Leica X, and Adobe Illustrator

About the Department

We are a dynamic and growing medical school basic science department that values excellence, innovation, inclusive meritocracy and impact as cornerstones to biomedical research and education.

We aspire to be the leading research and education physiology program in the country.

Our research vision is focused on mechanistic studies of the cardiovascular system, including muscle, and in obesity, diabetes and metabolism. We have thematic interests in sterile inflammation and AI/ML-based computational biology. We expressly integrate new knowledge discoveries from genes and molecules to the whole organism, with impact relevance to human health.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $16.50 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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

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 nations 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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.