RESEARCH SUPPORT SPECIALIST
- Division of Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research (DOPMR) -
- Department of Surgery -
- University of Minnesota Medical School -

Division Description:
The Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research performs innovative translational research on the mechanisms by which the microbiome impacts human health and implements potential interventions to improve health through the microbiome.

Position Summary:
Coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations for an NIH funded biological sciences lab; takes ownership for delivering expected results. Coordinates operations and maintains proper general work environment conditions related to supporting the research efforts. Work to ensure that the research laboratory will stay in compliance with DoS, UMN, State and Federal guidelines and regulations. Keeps safety procedures up to date. Oversees and maintains supplies and lab consumables and keeps records of documents. Monitors team compliance with laboratory protocols and proactively communicate with laboratory members to address/resolve issues. Manages the day-to-day initial onboarding HR administration for non-faculty, non-trainee staff as needed. Also schedules meetings for national and international collaborators, supports travel booking and reimbursements, facilitates research activities including event coordination and ordering supplies. This individual will assist with formatting and coordination of materials for grant submissions, developing reports, editing manuscripts, transferring knowledge, ensuring that activities are done in accordance with regulatory guidelines, overseeing the effective use of lab resources, and facilitating the everyday work routine. The candidate will be exposed to a learning environment but at the same time will have to work pro-actively. This position will report to the managing staff when needed. This individual is expected to work independently and as well as in team to complete projects in a timely manner. This individual is expected to report in-person.


Job Duties:
Research and Research-Related Support (70%)
- Assists with coordinating lab operations to ensure that all laboratory processes are conducted efficiently, on-time, within budget, and according to standard operating procedures.
- Assists with coordination of grant submissions for principal investigators, including collection of biosketches, financial disclosures, and other documents, formatting requisite grant proposal components with required pagination, font and margin rules as per program announcement guidelines. Stay current with NIH and other sponsors policies,
- Meet with and advise PIs on budgetary and administrative requirements
- Collaborate with PIs and their research personnel on ensuring timely, accurate and complete submission of grant materials. Prepare, complete, and collect required administrative and financial paperwork and necessary signatures for grant related documents from faculty, staff and administrators.
- Manages orders and ordering of program-specific equipment and supplies (equipment, supplies, environment, training) to complete projects within projected time-lines.
- Assists with developing and managing budgets, report on annual progress, and monitor financial accounts.
- Activates emergency procedures when needed as directed.
- Remain available at all times to PI via phone and email in the case of an emergency
- Assists in recruiting and interviewing new employees
- Manages onboarding and training of new employees
- Manages exit of employees leaving the laboratory
- Provides administrative support, including scheduling meetings, connecting collaborators, reimbursements, travel booking and assistance, registrations, coordination of lab activities and meetings, taking meeting minutes, etc.

2. Participates in laboratory daily activities 10%
- Supports other lab members in order to achieve laboratory goals
- Coordinates sample transfers and storage as needed
- Participates in editing and submitting papers, as needed

3. Interactions with other institutes/organizations/laboratory 15%
- Accountable for maintaining excellent communication with the IRB, which includes responding to reviewers, submitting amendments and annual updates, as well as tracking reportable events, while meeting deadlines
- Keeps contact with external and internal collaborators per PI request
- Participates in meetings, presenting when needed

4. Keeps continuum in education 5%
- Attend training and educational events that the PIs approves in order to remain in compliance and up-to-date.
- Attends conferences and meetings.
- Attends events on new technologies and keeps her knowledge of the one already in use up to date.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Experience in a biological lab or demonstrated exposure to laboratory or clinical environments in some capacity.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work in teams or groups, contributed in projects, work assignments, policy updates.
• Excellent communication skills and knowledge of computers are essential: familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Calendar, Endnote (or similar) online scientific platforms (such as Pubmed, eRA Commons), Adobe, Slack and others. Good interpersonal skills and customer service skills. Ability to demonstrate self-directed and rational problem-solving skills. Ability to effectively delegate authority.
• Must be available to occasionally work evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergencies as needed.
  

Preferred:

• Priority will be given to those candidates who demonstrate familiarity with managing pre-and post- NIH grant award.
• High priority will be given to those familiar with administrative academic environment, particularly at UMN.
• Highly priority will be given to those profiles who have experience in peer-reviewed paper editing and submission.
• Previous experience in calendar management, coordinating with teams nationally and/or internationally, reimbursements, placing orders and other administrative duties is preferred.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery. Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discoCommitted to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit:

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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:

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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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).