The Bronstein and Widge labs in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences are jointly seeking a staff research scientist (Research Professional 6) for a project focused on personalized, non-invasive neuromodulation to improve thoughts of suicide and other mental health outcomes. A competitive applicant will have previous experience with neuromodulation or neuroimaging research, a strong track record of success as an individual and team contributor to scientific endeavors, and the ability to balance oversight and coordination between teams and other administrative duties with scientific output. Previous work on complex, fast paced, interdisciplinary efforts is a plus.
A successful applicant will be responsible for activities such as integrating scientific content from multiple teams into high-quality program progress reports, tracking team progress against project milestones and proactively recommending and acting on solutions as problems arise, as well as guiding and indirectly overseeing less senior team members as they execute day-to-day aspects of the research project. The applicant will need to solve complex problems and design protocols, procedures, and policies to fulfill the research objectives.
This is a unique opportunity to be involved in the rapid movement of an intervention that could dramatically change standard of care from preliminary data to fully powered tests.
Job responsibilities:
• (25%) Play a hands-on role in areas of the project relevant to your research expertise. Person will be expected to make scientific and programmatic decisions with limited oversight, consulting as needed with PI. They will be expected to select and monitor strategic directions for day-to- day level operations. Make evidence-based key decisions in those areas with limited oversight and high effectiveness. Coordinate actively with other team members to maximize scientific productivity.
• (25%) Integrate research findings from members of various scientific teams, describe how they advance planned tasks/milestones, and ultimately produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications, reports for the public, sponsor briefings, and presentations. Additional reporting may also include summary reports of critical deliverables, identifying key achievements, and translating these into sponsor-relevant language. The role will also initiate, monitor, and adjust as needed, scientific directions of relevant projects. Person will be in charge of overseeing, implementing, adjusting extant strategic directions and making as many strategic decisions as possible within the scope of their expertise as independently as possible.
• (25%) Collaborate with investigators, project managers, and other study staff to manage project planning operations. Guide less senior team members through routine decisions as they execute day-to-day scientific activities on the project. This will include mentoring and serving as an example to research staff in the ethical conduct of research. Provide strategic direction and proactively identify when goals are not being met or roadblocks arise, recommend potential solutions include staff hiring/termination. The individual will also lead the manuscript preparation and writing, including serving as the author or co-author.
• (10%) Develop and modify practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality to effectively achieve end results.
• (10%) Manage complexities of multi-institution contracts, agreements, and coordination, as well as bring relevant stakeholders together to overcome roadblocks. Individual will also contribute to maintaining current funding, including overseeing budget planning and
management. Person will be expected to proactively create deliverables for current grants, and will be expected to be capable of creating and editing administrative documents for new grant submissions.
• (5%) Serve as a scientific representative on various committees and teams making decisions and recommendations on behalf of the project.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
Advanced degree with substantial research and publication record
Preferred Qualifications:
• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a similar field.
• Evidence of scientific productivity (e.g., in peer-reviewed publications) in areas such as neuroimaging, neuromodulation, suicidology, or the study of severe mental illness.
Pay and BenefitsPay Range: The salary range is $115,000 - $140,000/year, 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 ApplyApplications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
