Research Professional 4 - Biophysics - Prof. Alptekin Aksan

About the Job

This is a one-year full-time short-term position. It is possible this position might be extended for a second year depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position, and meeting standard University employment requirements.

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Work Environment: In-person

Location: UMN - TC, East Bank

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday
• 8:00am - 4:30pm
• 40 hours per week

Duties/Responsibilities

Conduct experiments (70%)

• Lead reversible membrane permeabilization technology adoption by
• Completing training to master protocols for reversible membrane permeabilization.
• Performing installation, calibration, characterization, and validation of membrane permeabilization systems.
• Establishing parameters to ensure consistent, high-efficiency intracellular delivery of cryoprotectant agents; troubleshoot as needed.
• Preparing SOPs for the technology and coordinating with other collaborating sites to ensure and document uniformity of results
• Training other staff in the lab on the adopted technology
• Conducting physicochemical characterization & cryopreservation experiments by Leading the preparation and distribution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for characterization of frozen and desiccated cryoprotectant agents by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Characterizing the physical states, glass transition behaviors, and aging characteristics of cryoprotectant cocktails (with and without cells) during storage and documenting the findings in the form of reports and presentations
• Developing freeze/thaw protocols for different cryoprotectant cocktails and preparing SOPs while coordinating adoption with other collaborating sites
• Performing post-thaw viability analyses of cryopreserved cells, documenting, reporting and communicating the results of these experiments to the PI and other collaborating sites.
• Conducting desiccation & room-temperature stabilization experiments by
• Constructing innate and formulation-stabilized room-temperature desiccation survival curves for multiple cell lines
• Desiccating cells to defined residual water contents and assessing viability after ambient (22°C) storage using established fluorescence based viability dyes in coordination with other participating sites
• Characterizing the physical states, glass transition behaviors, and aging characteristics of cryoprotectant cocktails (with and without cells) during storage using established protocols
• Training other lab group members on the SOPs to be followed for this work

Coordination, reporting & documentation. (25%)

• Leading generation of project management tools, including Gantt charts, preparing and presenting regular progress updates to the PI, collaborators, and the funder, establish protocols for sharing and storing of metadata, and lead troubleshooting efforts for resolving technical bottlenecks with collaborating sites.
• Leading documenting of the experimental logs, details, meeting logs, quarterly summaries, validation reports, and monthly progress reports tied to defined deliverables and milestones.
• Lead presentation of the progress reports to other sites, if needed, in person, representing the work conducted in the lab

Training of other lab staff in experimental work. (5%)

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS in biomedical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, pharmaceutical formulation development or a related field plus at least five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, and cell-viability assessment techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to follow, write, and maintain detailed SOPs and laboratory records.
• Strong organizational skills and reliability in meeting a structured schedule of deliverables.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for cross-site collaboration and reporting.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, pharmaceutical formulation development or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience).
• Experience with cryopreservation, vitrification, lyophilization, and/or desiccation-based cell stabilization.
• Experience with thermal and spectroscopic characterization techniques, particularly DSC and FTIR.
• Experience with intracellular delivery methods (e.g., electroporation or comparable microfluidic poration platforms).
• Understanding the physicochemical characterization of amorphous and glassy matrices.

About the Department

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an internationally recognized faculty, and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, the highly interdisciplinary college of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $34.82 - $38.47 per hour; 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.

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.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References (Please include at least 3 references, including 1 current/former supervisor)

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

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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, 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.