Research Professional 5-Biomedical Research

Position Summary

The Research Professional 5 is a senior scientific staff position advancing independent and collaborative research on neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-associated retinal disease, retinal and optic nerve inflammation and neurodegeneration, microglial activation, microglia-vascular interactions and angiogenesis, tissue injury and repair, and therapeutic response. The position will integrate in vivo ocular disease models, primary microglia and vascular cell systems, and human RPE/choroid explant models, including tissues from donors with nAMD or diabetes, to define disease mechanisms and evaluate candidate therapies. Under the Principal Investigator's general direction, the incumbent uses substantial scientific judgment in study design, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation and contributes to publications, grants, mentoring, and laboratory compliance.

Essential Functions

Research design and execution (45%)

• Design and conduct rigorous in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro studies relevant to ocular inflammation, neurodegeneration, angiogenesis, tissue injury and repair, and evaluation of candidate interventions.

• Select appropriate controls, establish study endpoints, optimize and validate protocols, troubleshoot complex experiments, and document methods and outcomes to support reproducibility.

• Apply appropriate biomedical methods, which may include mammalian cell culture, primary cells or tissue explants, ocular disease models, molecular and biochemical assays, microscopy, ocular imaging, functional testing, and targeted delivery procedures.

Data analysis and scientific communication (20%)

• Analyze and interpret quantitative imaging, molecular, cellular, physiological, and other research data using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
• Prepare figures, manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, technical reports, and progress updates; present findings to scientific audiences and maintain organized research records and data files.

Grant and research program development (15%)

• Develop new research directions through literature review, testable hypotheses, and preliminary data; contribute scientific content and documentation to grant applications and reports; and, when permitted by University policy, sponsor requirements, and applicable approvals, serve in an investigator role or pursue external funding.

Collaboration and mentoring (10%)

• Collaborate with investigators, research staff, core facilities, and external partners; coordinate interdisciplinary experiments; and train or mentor students, trainees, and junior staff in research methods, data analysis, responsible conduct, and safe laboratory practice.

Laboratory operations and compliance (10%)

• Develop standard operating procedures, maintain research resources and equipment, support efficient workflows, complete required training, and comply with applicable IACUC, IBC, human-tissue, biosafety, chemical-safety, data-management, and responsible-conduct requirements.

Work Environment and Position Expectations

• Work is primarily on campus in laboratory, office, imaging, and animal-research environments and may involve human or animal tissues, laboratory animals, biological materials, chemicals, and instruments requiring training and personal protective equipment. The role normally follows a fixed full-time schedule, with occasional adjustments for time-sensitive studies; regular travel is not expected. Work includes computer and microscopy use, fine-motor tasks, periods of sitting or standing, and movement of routine laboratory supplies and equipment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent terminal degree in vision science, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, cell or molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or a closely related field, plus at least three years of progressively responsible relevant research experience, including postdoctoral training or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, analyze, and document complex biomedical studies, with hands-on experience in mammalian cell or tissue research and relevant molecular, cellular, biochemical, imaging, or physiological methods.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity and proficiency in quantitative data analysis and clear scientific communication.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively, complete required institutional training, and work safely with relevant research materials and models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in ophthalmology or vision science-including retinal or optic nerve biology, glaucoma, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, glial or vascular biology, or angiogenesis-and with ocular disease or injury models and related methods such as ocular injections, intraocular pressure measurement, optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, fundus imaging, or angiography.
• Experience with primary neural, glial, vascular, or ocular cells; human ocular tissue or explant models; advanced imaging or multi-omic methods; grant development; mentoring; or interdisciplinary project coordination.

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and its success is built upon the innovation and drive of every member of our team, from faculty to administrators to technicians. Put simply, all of us are driven to provide the best eye care for our patients, discover new treatments, and educate the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information please visit our website at https://med.umn.edu/Ophthalmology.

Annual Salary Range: $86,000 - $88,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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, 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.