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This posting is for awardees of the MINNESOTA INCLUSIVE NEUROSCIENCE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARS (MINDS) PROGRAM.
MINDS is a post-Baccalaureate Research Program for Underrepresented Minorities in Pursuit of a Career in Neuroscience, and awardees are given temporary Researcher 1 (job code 8352R1) appointments for up to 24 months.

Mission: The mission of the MINDS program is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of neuroscience starting at the early career stage. We believe that one point of attrition for individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds is immediately after college graduation.

Goal: The goal of the MINDS program is to provide financial support for college graduates to pursue up to 2 years of independent research in a neuroscience laboratory at the University of Minnesota prior to graduate school. The goal of the program is to provide laboratory and research experience that encourages intellectual as well as technical growth, helps build confidence in laboratory settings and gives opportunities for the students to obtain "deliverables" in the form of intramural and extramural posters and publications. Graduate school entry has become increasingly competitive and graduate schools' admissions committees emphasize research experience. We believe this emphasis leads to a substantial roadblock for some individuals. Our goal is to help individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds submit competitive graduate school applications at a nationwide level by increasing access to meaningful laboratory research experiences. We fully expect that successful MIND scholars would be competitive for the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience as well as other programs across the country. Finally, the goal of this program is to service our local community by uplifting individuals within the state of Minnesota.

Job Duties
85% Research Duties: carry out experiments under the supervision of the PI and/or a senior laboratory member. Responsibilities may include assistance with specialized lab techniques and the participation in cutting-edge research, ordering and maintaining inventory of common supplies for the laboratory, maintaining equipment in working order, keeping records of protocols and standard operating procedures.

15% MINDS Program Duties: all Scholars are expected to attend and actively participate in a number of program activities, designed to enhance preparation for graduate study and develop a community with their cohort:
* Annual Welcome Gathering
* Weekly Meetings of the MINDS
* Monthly Group Lunches with Near-Peer Mentors
* Monthly Social Activities
* Monthly MINDS Committee Meetings
* Annual ABRCMS Conference
* Annual Post-Baccalaureate Poster Symposium
* Submission of an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Application (in Year 2)
* Submission of Applications to Neuroscience Ph.D. Programs (in Year 2)

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

BS/BA degree - or combination of education and work experience to equal four years.

Applicants must have been awarded a MINDS position in the Department of Neuroscience.

Applicants must intend to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in neuroscience; we are particularly interested in applicants interested in conducting research on the neuroscience of substance use disorders.

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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 .

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:

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).