Rsch Pro 5-Preclinical Rsch

*About the Job
For this project, we plan to develop our standardized protocol and other resources to advance preservation and banking of diverse Drosophila lines in other labs and from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center (BDSC). By the end of the proposed work, we will have identified pathways for economically integrating these and further developed resources into labs, stock centers, and other entities maintaining Drosophila lines.
SA1: Optimize resources for Drosophila embryo cryopreservation at the lab scale
Task 1.1a: Assess flexibility of embryo collection and culture conditions to maximize success rate, reproducibility, and overall throughput.
Task 1.1b: Assess flexibility of time, temperature and reagents used in each step of the cryopreservation protocol.
Task 1.2: Research and develop strategies for shipping and cryogenic storage of Drosophila embryos.
Task 1.3: Investigate mutagenic effects of cryopreservation in Drosophila.
Expected Outcomes: We will assess the flexibility of embryo collection and cryopreservation procedures to simplify the protocol and maximize the successful revival of lines. We will develop a new cryomesh and containers (if necessary) for shipping Drosophila embryos to different labs and for long-term cryostorage. We will also extend earlier work to evaluate the mutagenic effects of cryopreservation more comprehensively using next generation sequencing.

Duties:
1) Cryopreserving Drosophila lines (40%)
The candidate will lead the development and optimization of embryo cryopreservation protocols for Drosophila lines. Design and test innovative approaches (e.g. custom cryomesh systems, novel CPA mixtures), evaluate protocol performance through rigorous data collection and analysis, and integrate improvements into biorepository workflows across partner labs and institutions.

2) Training / workshop development for Drosophila embryo cryopreservation (15%)
The candidate will design and implement a global cryopreservation training program, including virtual and in-person workshops, curriculum development via Canvas, and credentialing systems. Evaluate training effectiveness using feedback and learning assessments to refine program offerings.

3) Overseeing / project management of other staff on Drosophila project (15%)
The candidate will provide project management and functional supervision of technicians and trainees involved in cryopreservation efforts. Lead biweekly research team meetings, coordinate project timelines, and mentor staff in laboratory best practices, protocol development, and data analysis.

4) Interacting with subawardees (Bloomington Stock Center) (10%)
The candidate will serve as primary liaison with the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center (BDSC - has close to 100,000 or 1/2 of all strains in the world) and other subawardees to coordinate experimental design, cryopreservation logistics and data harmonization across labs. The candidate will oversee protocol implementation, troubleshoot cross-institutional challenges, and ensure alignment with grant deliverables.

5) Other duties as assigned (20%)
Contribute to scholarly outputs including manuscripts, conference presentations, patents and disclosures, and grant proposals. Co-author peer-reviewed publications and lead sections on methods, results and data interpretation. Oversee inventory planning, regulatory compliance, and reporting for grant sponsors.

*Required qualifications:
-Advanced degree with one or more years of research training
-Cryopreservation experience on one or more organisms or biological testbeds
-Basic cryobiology knowledge (CPA mixtures, CPA loading/unloading, storage, shipment, cooling and rewarming).
-Demonstrated ability to write papers and documents (protocols) in support of the aims of the work.

*Preferred qualifications:
-Embryo cryopreservation for insect, aquatic or mammalian systems
-Labeling and storage of cryopreserved samples (biorepository maintenance)
-Training (workshops and short courses) and credentialing in the cryopreservation space
-Website maintenance
-Administrating other staff working on the project (technician project management)

Pay Range: $72,000 - $78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).