Research Professional 1 - Biomed Research

The Biosensing and Biorobotics Laboratory at the University of Minnesota seeks a highly motivated Biomedical Research Specialist to support cutting-edge research in advanced optical imaging, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. The successful candidate will assist with the processing, analysis, and visualization of large-scale biomedical imaging datasets collected from novel imaging systems. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates interested in gaining research experience before pursuing graduate or professional school.

The candidate will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers on projects involving calcium imaging, neural behavior. The position offers opportunities to contribute to scientific publications, develop computational skills, and participate in interdisciplinary research.

The candidate will work with Senior Research Scientist in the group. He/she will assist the research scientist on experimental work focused on gathering large-scale neural imaging datasets. He/ she will run a data analysis pipeline established in the group to retrieve activities of single neurons from the neural imaging data. Work will involve manual curation of datasets, training machine learning algorithms for automated detection of neural activity. The candidate may also be required to assist in manual curation and analysis of behavioral video, manual annotation of key anatomical landmarks.

This is a one-year part-time temporary posted position. It is possible this position might be extended for a second year depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position, and meeting standard University employment requirements.

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Work environment: In person, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities East Bank campus

Duties/responsibilities

• Carry out data analyses of large scale neural imaging datasets (40%)
• Execute experimental paradigms for collecting large-scale and high speed neural imaging datasets (40%)
• Assist senior lab personnel on carrying out imaging experiments (15%)
• General lab management and upkeep (5%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or closely related field, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
• 6-12 months experience working in a neural engineering lab setting.
• Proficiency in Python, C, C++ programming language
• Knowledge of Neural data analysis
• Experience with analysis neural calcium imaging datasets
• Familiarity with Machine learning techniques for neural data analysis.

Preferred qualifications:

• Good teamwork skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication skills
  

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an internationally recognized faculty, and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, the highly interdisciplinary college of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics.

Pay Range: $20.26 per hour ($42,140.80 annual) - $24.04 per hour ($50,003.20 annual); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% 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.

Required application materials: Resume

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.