Researcher 2 – Informatics

We are looking for a Research Professional in Computational Biology (Bioinformatics) to support the genomics component of our extensive comparative oncology and immunology portfolio within the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program at the Masonic Cancer Center and the College of Veterinary Medicine. This position will focus on performing independent bioinformatics analyses of three projects, described in the responsibilities section below. The role requires a strong command of mathematical and biological principles and advanced computing skills to handle datasets of whole transcriptome RNA sequencing, ATAC sequencing, and whole genome sequencing. The objective of this position is to complete data analysis and integration of ATAC and RNA sequencing datasets for publication. The position is available for a 12-week period at full-time(temp/casual employment). Salary will be commensurate with experience and guided by the latest UMN Compa-ratio study and UMN HR recommendations.

Job Responsibilities

100%- Project 1: VSF Immunology of Osteosarcoma

• Integrated analysis of bulk RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing of immune cells from dogs with bone cancer and from healthy dogs, including subjects that were enrolled in experimental therapeutic studies
• Investigation of genomic signals associated with cellular stress

Location and Work Environment

• University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus (East Bank).
• This position has been designed to provide maximum flexibility.
• Work location is determined by the nature of tasks at hand: when duties require in-person meetings, training, or use of laboratory resources, on-site presence is required.
• When duties can be performed with full remote access (e.g., data analysis, manuscript preparation, project updates), remote work is an option.
• Schedules may vary from week to week with an average of 1-4 days of remote work per week.

Work Schedule

• Standard availability is expected Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Evening and weekend work may occasionally arise and is performed on a voluntary basis.
• Remote work flexibility is available as described above, averaging 1-4 remote days per week depending on project demands.

Essential Employee Designation

• Non-Essential Employee

Visa Sponsorship Language

• This position is NOT eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship

Required Qualifications

• BS or BA degree in the biological sciences and/or related to mathematical or computational biology, with two or more years of relevant work experience in bioinformatics/computational biology since completion of the degree
  • OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 6 years
• Documented evidence of direct experience with bioinformatics analysis and handling of tumor and immune datasets.
• Strong command of biological principles, including evolution and natural selection.
• Basic understanding of neoplasia and immune function.
• Command of R and/or Python computing platforms.
• Experience mapping data to species-specific genomes and performing analyses from open source and custom experimental datasets (e.g., bulk RNAseq, ATAC-seq, integrative analyses).
• Proficiency with Linux and the ability to work from a command line.
• Outstanding laboratory etiquette and evidence of experience working with teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or equivalent advanced degree in bioinformatics/computational biology with a completed thesis or capstone project.
• Experience with bulk RNAseq, WES/WGS, and ATAC-seq.
• Strong grasp of MySQL and ability to handle biological databases.
• Strong ability to communicate work clearly and liaison with other biologists and bioinformaticians.

University of Minnesota Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department (VCS)

The Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department advances veterinary medicine through clinical education and mentoring, specialized care of companion animals, and generating new knowledge through clinical research.

Teaching

Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty members are responsible for a significant portion of the clinical training program for third- and fourth-year veterinary students, as well as small animal internship and residency programs. Faculty members also participate in the veterinary medicine and comparative and molecular biosciences graduate programs.

Research

Faculty and staff are actively involved in clinical and basic research, as well as specialized programs such as the Animal Cancer Care and Research program, Minnesota Urolith Center, and Surgical Research Laboratory. Research efforts are supported by the Clinical Investigation Center, which coordinates clinical trials.

Service and Outreach

Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty members provide collaborative clinical services in the Veterinary Medical Center using cutting-edge equipment and offers consultations and continuing education programs for practicing veterinarians in the community.

URL: https://vetmed.umn.edu/departments/veterinary-clinical-sciences/department-veterinary-clinical-sciences

Pay Range: $27.50 – $30.00/hr; 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 [email protected].

Applicants are asked to provide at least two and no more than four letters of reference from mentors or previous employers who can speak to the applicant’s scientific background, mastery of molecular biological techniques, work ethic, communication skills, collegiality, independence, creativity, and innovation.

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.