Research Scientist - Ophthalmic Translational Research Incubator

About the Job

Working Title: Research Scientist 5

Job Code Title: Research Professional 5 - Biochemistry

Job Code: 9791BC

Location: Saint Paul, MN (100% In-Person)

Schedule & Availability: This is a full-time, Monday-to-Friday position that requires occasional weekend and evening hours.

Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join the Research and Development team. LGS aims to bridge the gap between bench research and clinical application, driving innovation to improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology. Ideal candidates are laboratory scientist with a robust background in stem cell research and a passion for advancing eye health through innovation and translational science.

Responsibilities:

85% Research Activities and Project Management

• Lead translational research projects, including designing and conducting experiments, performing advanced statistical data analyses, contributing to progress reports, and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Assist LGS R&D Director and Medical Director to develop and document IRB, IACUC, and IBC study protocols.
• Support the submission of internal and external funding applications and grant proposals.
• Disseminate research findings through presentations at scientific conferences, departmental meetings, and university-wide events.

5% General Laboratory Maintenance

• Perform rotations of essential laboratory maintenance tasks, including managing research supply inventories and performing routine instrument and surgical instrument care. Responsible for maintaining a safe and sterile working environment and uphold safety and operational standards.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related life science field, with a minimum of 3 years of lab experience.
• Hands-on experience working with iPSC and small animals (mice, rats, and/or rabbits).
• Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques, including FACS, ELISA, qRT-PCR, primary cell culture, immunostaining, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through symposium presentations, manuscript authorship, and grant writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in optimizing ophthalmic disease models in animals and primary cell culture systems.
• Experience in RNAseq and gene expression profiling study.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Experience in preparing and submitting IRB and IACUC protocols.

About the Department

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and its success is built upon the innovation and drive of every member of our team, from faculty to administrators to technicians. Put simply, all of us are driven to provide the best eye care for our patients, discover new treatments, and educate the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information please visit our website at .

Lions Gift of Sight

Lions Gift of Sight (formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) was established after the partnership between the Lions and the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences came to life in 1960, providing donor eye tissue for transplant, research, and teaching and promoting donation through education. Lions Gift of Sight has helped restore sight to more than 22,000 people by providing cornea tissue for transplantation and is one of the largest and most successful eye banks in the world.

For more information, please visit our website at

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $90K - $95K, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.

How To Apply

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 ... or call ....

Diversity

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:

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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.