Research Professional 1

The Department of Surgery's Preclinical Research Center seeks a motivated Research Professional 1. Reporting to the Program Director and the managing staff, this position coordinates lab operations and provides administrative support for a large team of faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and research collaborators. The role requires independent decision-making on a daily basis and the ability to appropriately exercise discretion on when to elevate issues to faculty.


Position Summary:
Assists with the day to day administrative operations for an outstanding biomedical translational research program with many associated faculty and cross -department and -college collaborations; supporting their research efforts. Ensures laboratory compliance with DoS, UMN, State and Federal guidelines and regulations. Coordinates operations and maintains proper work environment conditions, keeps updated safety procedures and collaborates in keeping equipment and instruments functional. Assists with maintaining the Omni-Assistant QMS document portfolio for the program. Orders supplies and lab consumables, keeps records of documents. Assists with the day-to-day initial onboarding HR administration for non-faculty, non-trainee staff. Provides in person administrative support for the departmental controlled substance license and site-specific management of inventories, disposition, and DEA audits.


Principal Duties/Responsibilities

Research Operations Management 30%
* Assist in the timely preparation and maintenance of regulatory documents
* Assists in the organization and coordination of meetings for protocol activities including the development of protocol timelines, meeting agendas, resource materials, and oral presentations for study-related work
* Assists with maintaining the Omni-Assistant QMS document portfolio for the program.
* Assists with administrative support for the departmental controlled substance DEA license and site-specific management of inventories, disposition records and DEA audits
* Assists with preparing outgoing shipments via FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.
* Assists with organizing and filing raw data, maintaining study participant records, and maintaining data archive procedures

Financial 20%
* Monitors lab calendar and populates monthly invoices
* Routinely shares account reviews with Principal Investigator and co-investigators.
* Provides pre-award support for the division ensuring that grant submissions and progress reports are on time and compliant with Federal, State and University policies
* Liaison with Dept of Surgery Research Support Services office to manage award set up, subaward issuance and invoice tracking

Purchasing 20%
* Orders lab supplies/services and lab equipment
* Maintains inventory of supplies.
* Assists faculty and staff with travel arrangements
* Process employee reimbursements and vendor payment
* Oversee purchasing credit cards and reconcile lab purchases
* Consults with Surgical Administrative Center Finance Office to adhere to University financial policies and procedures

Publications 5%
* Assists faculty, staff, and graduate students in final review of scientific manuscripts and submit to peer-reviewed journals
* Coordinates scientific books edited by lab faculty

Administrative 25%
* Handles scheduling and coordination for the team, provide back-up scheduling for associated DoS faculty
* Coordinates conference calls and meetings with research collaborators
* Assists with administrative support for DoS faculty outside of the Preclinical Research Center on an as needed basis
* Assists with event planning and execution for laboratory staff and students
* Assists with hospitality requests and coordinating hospitality for faculty and staff during day to day activities

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

* BS/BA or a combination of related education and work experience totaling 4 years
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment
* Demonstrated organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail
* Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and projects
* Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
* Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

* Highly preferred familiarity with University of Minnesota (culture, policies, financial, etc.); passion to work in academic research environment
* Ability to interact with staff, research collaborators (industry and University of Minnesota), and graduate/undergraduate students on a professional level
* Experience in financial management, budgeting, and/or grant management
* Experience with federal grant application and post-award management
* Experience in reviewing/submitting scientific manuscripts
* Familiarity with laboratory environments and basic experimental techniques
* Experience in purchasing and working with vendors
* Experience with Google docs, Google Forms, and Box
* Ability to develop and foster a collaborative, engaged, adaptable, and high trust team environment
* Experience with Omni-Assistant QMS Software and Good Laboratory Practice

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.

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:

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 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).