Rsch Pro 1-Preclinical Rsch

This posting is for awardees of the MINNESOTA INCLUSIVE NEUROSCIENCE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARS (MINDS) PROGRAM.

MINDS is a post-baccalaureate program to increase access to neuroscience research opportunities for recent college graduates preparing to pursue doctoral degrees. Awardees are given temporary Research Professional 1 - Preclinical Research (job code 8351PR) appointments for up to 24 months.

Mission: The mission of the MINDS program is to provide research and professional development opportunities for recent college graduates, in preparation to earn a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience. Graduate school entry has become increasingly competitive and graduate school admissions committees require significant research experience, which many undergraduate students lack the opportunity to obtain.

Goal: The goal of the MINDS program is to provide financial support for college graduates to pursue up to 2 years of independent research in a neuroscience laboratory at the University of Minnesota prior to graduate school. This laboratory research experience encourages intellectual as well as technical growth; helps build confidence in laboratory settings; and provides opportunities to obtain "deliverables" in the form of poster presentations and publications. In addition to the technical research skills, the MINDS program also provides individualized mentorship and professional skill development that will aid Scholars in becoming future leaders in the field. We aim to help individuals submit competitive applications to neuroscience Ph.D. programs, by increasing access to meaningful laboratory research experiences and developing skills necessary to thrive in graduate school and beyond. We expect that MIND Scholars would be competitive for the Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, as well as other elite neuroscience graduate programs across the country.

Job Duties

85% Research Duties: carry out experiments under the supervision of the PI and/or a senior laboratory member. Responsibilities may include assistance with specialized lab techniques and the participation in cutting-edge research, ordering and maintaining inventory of common supplies for the laboratory, maintaining equipment in working order, keeping records of protocols and standard operating procedures.

15% MINDS Program Duties: all Scholars are expected to attend and actively participate in a number of program activities, designed to enhance preparation for graduate study and develop a community with their cohort:
* Annual Welcome Gathering
* Weekly Meetings of the MINDS
* Monthly Group Lunches with Near-Peer Mentors
* Monthly Social Activities
* Monthly MINDS Committee Meetings
* Annual ABRCMS Conference
* Annual Post-Baccalaureate Poster Symposium
* Submission of an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Application (in Year 2)
* Submission of Applications to Neuroscience Ph.D. Programs (in Year 2)

Coursework: optional enrollment in one semester of a graduate-level course, with corresponding adjustments in percentage of time dedicated to other job duties during the semester of course enrollment.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Requirements:
BS/BA degree - or combination of education and work experience to equal four years. Applicants must have been awarded a MINDS position in the Department of Neuroscience. Applicants must intend to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in neuroscience.

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

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.

Pay Range: $20.26 per 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 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 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.