Research Professional 4 - Department of Neuroscience

About the Laboratory

The Midavaine Laboratory investigates how sex hormones, reproductive states, and immune signals reshape the nervous system to regulate pain, sensory function, and reproductive physiology. We work at the intersection of neuroscience, endocrinology, immunology, and reproductive biology to understand why pain and sensory processing differ between females and males, how physiological states such as pregnancy remodel neural circuits, and how maternal experiences shape sensory function across generations.

A central theme of the lab is hormone-dependent plasticity of sensory neurons. Our recent work established that meningeal regulatory T cells inhibit nociception in female mice through an enkephalin--opioid receptor pathway that depends on ovarian hormones (Midavaine et al., Science 388:96-104, 2025). We are now investigating how hormonal transitions across the lifespan, from development through pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, reprogram this neuroimmune circuit, sensory neurons, spinal glia, and brain circuits.

The lab combines mouse genetics, neuroendocrine manipulation, immunology, single-cell and spatial genomics, in vivo calcium imaging, whole-organ imaging, molecular pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience.

Position Summary

The Midavaine Laboratory seeks an experienced Research Professional 4 (Senior Research Scientist / Lab Manager) to lead in vivo mouse studies, run laboratory operations and regulatory compliance, and train lab personnel in a newly expanding neuroimmunology and neuroendocrinology program.

This is a senior technical role for a scientist with extensive independent experience in mouse models, surgical and endocrine manipulations, tissue and molecular analyses, and lab management. The Research Professional 4 will independently design and execute experiments with the PI, develop and maintain animal protocols, oversee colony and breeding strategy, and serve as the lab's operational lead. The position includes contributing to manuscripts and grant progress reports, and training in the lab's newer methods (sensory behavior, single-cell genomics, in vivo imaging).

Potential start date: January 2027.

Responsibilities

Experimental design and execution - 35%

• Independently plan and perform in vivo mouse studies, including survival surgeries, endocrine manipulations (e.g., gonadectomy and hormone replacement), timed pregnancies, drug and treatment studies, and tissue and organ collection.
• Perform and optimize molecular, cellular, and histological methods, including PCR/qPCR, genotyping, tissue processing and sectioning, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, cell culture, and flow cytometry-ready tissue preparation.
• Adapt and troubleshoot protocols for new models and assays; establish new techniques in the lab in collaboration with the PI and core facilities.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and quality-check data; prepare figures and methods text for manuscripts, presentations, and grant progress reports.

Animal protocols, colony management, and compliance - 25%

• Write, submit, and maintain IACUC protocols and amendments; prepare the lab for IACUC, surgical site, and EHS inspections.
• Manage the mouse colony, including complex multi-allele breeding strategies, genotyping pipelines, and colony records.
• Maintain biosafety and chemical safety documentation and training records for all lab personnel.

Laboratory operations - 25%

• Serve as lab manager: ordering and inventory, budget tracking for supplies, equipment maintenance and certification (biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, freezers, LN2 storage), and vendor and service coordination.
• Coordinate with core facilities and Research Animal Resources on equipment, barrier housing, and shared resources.

Training and mentoring - 15%

• Train and oversee technicians, graduate students, rotation students, and undergraduates in laboratory, animal, and safety procedures, and ensure consistent use of lab protocols.

• Present at lab meetings and journal clubs; contribute to a collaborative and rigorous lab environment.

Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, physiology, or a related field, plus at least five years of relevant research experience; or a combination of education and relevant work experience equaling at least nine years.
* At least five years of hands-on experience with mouse models, including survival surgery and in vivo treatment studies.
* Experience writing or maintaining institutional animal care (IACUC) protocols and managing a breeding mouse colony.
* Proficiency in molecular and histological methods (e.g., PCR/qPCR, genotyping, tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, microscopy) and cell culture.
* Experience training other laboratory personnel in research and safety procedures.
* Strong organization, record-keeping, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications
* Research experience in reproductive biology or endocrinology, such as ovarian, pregnancy, or parturition models, or hormone manipulation in rodents.
* Experience with immunology-related methods, such as immune cell profiling by immunohistochemistry, or studies of immune responses in vivo.
* Experience with in vivo imaging (e.g., bioluminescence) or longitudinal in vivo measurements.
* Laboratory management experience, including inspection readiness, equipment certification and maintenance, and supply budgeting.
* Contributions to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings, including first-author work.
* Experience mentoring students and trainees, including post-baccalaureate or pipeline program participants.
* Data analysis experience with tools such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, R, or ImageJ/Fiji.

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: $32.00 ($66,560 annually) to $35.00/hour ($72,800 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.