Research Professional 4-Imaging Research - Department of Neuroscience

About the Job

The University Imaging Centers (UIC) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Spatialomics Lead Technician to join our team of specialized imaging professionals. As a core facility network serving internal and external researchers, the UIC operates across three campuses-Jackson Hall, Snyder Hall, and the Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building. This role sits at the intersection of histology, advanced optical imaging, and genomics. The position is a critical component of the UMN Spatialomics Initiative.

The primary responsibility of the Spatialomics Technician is to provide end-to-end laboratory services, validation, and advanced instrumentation operation for multi-omic spatial profiling platforms. Key equipment includes the Bruker/ NanoString GeoMx DSP, Bruker/NanoString CosMx SMI and the Lunaphore COMET system. The successful candidate will work closely with the Spatialomics Biomedical Core, UMGC, MSI and diverse research clients to ensure high-quality spatial biology data generation.

Essential Responsibilities:

45%

• Execute complex multiplexed immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and in situ hybridization protocols tailored to spatial genomics and proteomics assays.
• Collaborates with other researchers or teams to design experiments and studies that utilize spatial imaging techniques to address specific research questions.
• Validate customized tissues and tissue microarrays (TMAs).
• Handle and dilute chemical reagents, probe libraries, and multi-fluorophore antibody panels with strict adherence to quality control and aseptic techniques.

35%

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain high-end spatial biology platforms and multi-spectral slide scanners.
• Monitor sample runs on cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics systems, ensuring optimal operational parameters and troubleshooting technical system errors.
• Collaborate directly with vendor support teams and the UIC to ensure equipment functionality, routine biosafety compliance, and efficient data pipeline routing.
• Manage laboratory inventory, monitoring consumption of proprietary consumables, reagents, and slide kits.

20%

• Manage the intake and scheduling process for investigators submitting projects to the UMN Spatialomics Initiative.
• Serve as preceptor or technical resource, training advanced core users on basic slide preparation guidelines or equipment usage.
• Liaise with others to analyze results and draw conclusions based on the resulting data, contributing to scientific publications and presentations
• Ensures the accuracy and reliability of image data and analysis methods, implementing validation processes when necessary
• Will work as a team to optimize machine learning, pattern recognition, and data mining to analyze data
• May be responsible for maintaining hardware, software, and instrumentation, and/or using technology to create imaging SOPs for research

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related scientific field plus at least five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.

Minimum of 1-2 years of hands-on experience in a wet lab research or core facility setting, specializing in modern histology, molecular or spatial biology.

Demonstrated technical proficiency with antibody and/or RNAscope tissue staining and validation. Foundational imaging techniques (brightfield or fluorescence microscopy).

Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively engage with an interdisciplinary client base.

Preferred Qualifications:

Hands-on experience executing spatial biology workflows or downstream processing for platforms such as NanoString/Bruker GeoMx and CosMx, or Lunaphore COMET.

Experience working in a shared-resource facility or high-throughput academic core environment.

Familiarity with whole-slide digital scanning, basic image file manipulation, and automated pipetting systems.

About the Department

The University Imaging Centers (UIC) is a network of shared research facilities located on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campuses: Snyder Hall on the St. Paul campus, Jackson Hall on the Minneapolis East Bank campus, and the Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building located in the Biomedical Discovery District on the East Bank campus. The UIC offers equipment and support for light and electron microscopy, spatial genomics, tissue clearing, in-vivo imaging from subcellular to whole animals, image analysis & visualization, slide scanning, and large format poster printing. Services range from training users to independently operate equipment to full-service imaging, and sample processing.

Our Mission:

• Maximize the availability of advanced imaging technologies and methodologies to faculty, staff, students, and external users.
• Bring expertise in new imaging technologies to users.
• Educate the University community about new imaging technologies.
• Promote interaction between developers of new imaging technology and potential users.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $33.65 - $40.86 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.

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 nations 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.