Student Academic Support - WORK STUDY

Job Description:
Please consider the time commitment carefully before applying. We invest substantial time in training students and are looking for people who can participate consistently and build their skills over time. Learning to do research well takes months, and meaningful projects can take much longer. This position is best suited to someone interested in a sustained research experience who can realistically make room for 10–20 hours per week alongside coursework and other responsibilities.

The position also involves direct work with mice, including handling, injections, blood collection, and humane euthanasia. Please read the description below to understand what this work involves.

What we study

The Hart lab studies how antibodies and immune cells protect against infectious diseases, especially malaria. We want to understand how the immune system works and use that knowledge to develop better treatments.

You may have heard of immunotherapies, which are treatments that use the immune system to fight disease. Our lab is working to develop antibody-based immunotherapies for malaria. We have developed a new mouse model that better reflects aspects of human immune function and allows us to test potential treatments. Our long-term goal is for these studies to help guide the development of treatments for people.

We are also exploring whether approaches developed through our malaria research could be adapted to target harmful immune cells in autoimmune disease or to kill cancer cells. Experiments with human cells remain a cornerstone of our work. By moving between mouse studies and human cell experiments, we aim to answer fundamental questions about biology while advancing research that could improve human health.

What you will do

Your work will initially have two main components: working with mice and performing laboratory experiments. Dr. Hart (Geoff) and lab staff will provide direct training and supervision.

Mouse care and research

Mouse studies help us understand biology and evaluate potential treatments before they are tested in people. As you complete training, your responsibilities may include:

Testing mouse DNA to identify genetic traits, a process called genotyping.

Placing ear tags to identify individual mice and setting up breeding pairs.

Giving injections of treatments, such as antibodies.

Collecting blood to study immune cells and measure treatment levels and effects.

Measuring parasite levels to determine whether treatments are working.

Monitoring the health and well-being of mice.

Humanely euthanizing mice when required for animal welfare, research, or management of the breeding colony.

We want to be straightforward about the challenging parts of this work. Mice may resist being handled or try to bite. You will receive training in how to handle and restrain them safely, and becoming comfortable with these skills takes practice and patience.

Animal research also involves euthanasia. This can be emotionally difficult, and it is important to consider whether you are willing to participate before applying. You do not need prior experience, but you do need to be willing to learn and carry out these responsibilities carefully, respectfully, and with appropriate supervision. Animal welfare is an essential part of the work.

Laboratory experiments

One of the first techniques you will learn is an ELISA, a common laboratory test used to measure substances such as antibodies. We will use this test to determine how long our antibody treatments remain in the blood after they are given to mice. This is part of studying a treatment’s pharmacokinetics, or how its levels in the body change over time.

You may also learn to test how antibodies help immune cells, including natural killer cells, attack malaria parasites or other target cells. Depending on the project, related work may include growing and maintaining human cells, malaria parasites, or cancer cells in laboratory culture.

10-20 hours per week

Required Qualifications:
UMN Undergraduate student

Bring curiosity, patience, persistence, and a willingness to put in steady effort, even when progress is slow.

Be honest about your results, mistakes, and what you do or do not understand.

Show up on time when you say you will, and communicate promptly if your availability changes.

Respond to emails within reasonable amount of time (around 24 hours or less). 

Take notes during training, keep clear written records, and be receptive to feedback.

Ask questions when you are unsure. Use your notes and background reading to build understanding, and seek help when you need it.

Stay focused and engaged during training and experiments. Keep personal phone use out of work time.

Manage your time realistically and follow through on commitments.

Have a sincere interest in the research and a willingness to participate in both animal work and laboratory experiments.

Pay Range: $15.25 - $16.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
 

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications 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 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 [email protected].

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 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.