Temporary Nonexempt Research Assistant - Department of Neuroscience

Job Responsibilities
Histology/Neuropathology (50%)
Prepare, process, embed, cut, and stain human and animal tissue for pathological analysis. Pathological quality of tissue stains and analysis is performed via microscopic examination and various statistical software. Particular knowledge of brain anatomy, morphology and function is required for this research.
Quantitative Neuropathological Analysis using the Microbrighfield Stereology System, including the use of Area Fractionator, Optical Fractionator, and Spherical Probe Analysis.
Provide written report on the project as well as provide oral presentations at laboratory meeting.

Technical Support (25%)
Train/tutor laboratory staff and staff from other UofM laboratories on proper histological techniques and the use of Histology equipment.
Train laboratory staff and staff from other UofM laboratories on the use of various microscopes and the stereology system.
Attend annual histology meeting to maintain state of art knowledge on histology approaches.
Maintain laboratory and ITN histology equipment, including but not limited to the MBF Stereology system, paraffin processing equipment, cryostat, paraffin microtome, and sliding microtome. The maintenance includes general local maintenance, ensuring renewal of service contracts, local trouble shooting, and interactions with repair service provider.

Histology Neuropathology Supervision (25%)
Directly train laboratory personnel (students, fellows and Researcher 1 and 2s) performing Neuropathological/histological studies in the laboratory. This includes all histological analysis, including cutting of sections and staining, use of histology equipment, including microtome and microscopes, and quantitative neuropathological analysis using the stereology system.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required: BS Degree Biology/Anatomy/Histology and 2 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal 6 years.
Preferred: MS Degree Biology/Anatomy/Histology

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. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
5. Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.
6. Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $37.00 to $38.25 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

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

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.