Fraser Lab Research Technician

The Fraser Lab at the University of Minnesota (https://fraserlab.psych.umn.edu/) is recruiting a full-time research technician to support the lab. As a part of the Department of Psychology we are involved in the greater neuroscience research community at the University of Minnesota which provides excellent access to training and professional development. The Fraser Lab is interested in the neurobiological basis of motivated behavior and investigates how defined brain circuits contribute to behavioral regulation. We make use of modern neuroscience approaches to record and manipulate neural activity in real-time as rodents perform complex behavioral tasks to relate precise aspects of neural activity to well-defined psychological processes. To do so, we regularly use optogenetics, chemogenetics, calcium imaging, biosensors, pharmacology, and immunohistochemistry. Our ultimate goal is to decipher the neural mechanisms regulating behavior and to characterize how these are altered in psychiatric illness, such as addiction, or by differences in lived experience, such as after early life adversity, to potentially identify novel therapeutics. We seek a team member who can play a lead role in lab operations, collaborate closely with the PI, and engage in team-building and growth.

Duties:

Laboratory logistics, maintenance and operations (30%):

• Oversee the set-up and maintenance of laboratory equipment to support rodent research; conduct routine quality control audits to ensure equipment is in good-working order.
• Order laboratory equipment and supplies; liaise with Psychology accounting staff to arrange for purchase; coordinate delivery and set-up, as needed.
• Independently generate workflows for supply ordering, data management and infrastructure, and standard operating procedures for lab research.
• Independently prepare lab infrastructure and employees for lab safety and animal welfare inspections; conduct routine quality control audits to ensure compliance and safety.
• Independently onboard, train, and supervise undergraduate students in the lab. Ensure lab members adhere to university and federal safety regulations.

Technical research support (45%):

• Independently oversee animal husbandry, including breeding and welfare (occasionally requiring work on weekends); maintain lab breeding records.
• Prepare solutions.
• Independently engage in rodent behavioral training.
• Assist with stereotaxic surgeries, necroscopy, brain sectioning, immunohisto-chemistry, and slide preparation and imaging.
• Independently oversee and maintain detailed laboratory records.

Directed research (25%):

• Assist in designing research projects and experiments related to the neurobiological basis of motivation. Independently execute complex, multi-step experiments.
• Maintain detailed records of all experiments and protocols performed, and data, in laboratory notebooks and online databases.
• Organize and interpret experimental results.
• Develop computational skills for analysis and visualization of data.
• Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss progress and pitfalls.
• Review relevant scientific literature and present periodically in meetings or in writing.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA in neuroscience, psychology, biological sciences or related field or a combination of education and experience equal to 4 years.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, being detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work and contribute as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work on-site 5 days per week due to essential hands-on work.
• Ability to accommodate an at times flexible work schedule, including some hours on weekends or evenings, as needed.
• Some research experience with rats or mice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with behavioral or systems neuroscience research
• Familiarity with python or MATLAB

Pay Range: $20.26 - $23.00/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.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

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.