Research Scientist Jobs in Minnesota
Research Scientist jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Twin Cities metro and Rochester, with additional activity in Duluth, anchored by major employers such as 3M, Mayo Clinic, and the University of Minnesota across pharmaceutical research, materials science, and biomedical sciences. The market draws candidates from entry-level postdoctoral positions through senior principal-scientist roles, with particularly strong demand in medical device development and agricultural biotechnology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The key function for the Senior Research Scientist is planning and conducting research in the area of polymer pipe development. Another critical function is the ability to independently manage projects as part of multi-disciplinary cross-functional teams. In addition, the Scientist is expected to be a source of technical inspiration, and consultation to professional co-workers in pipe development and manufacturing. Having a strong polymer background is a must to be successful in this role.
This role is considered an on-site position at our North American manufacturing headquarters in Apple Valley, MN.
What will you be doing?
- Plans, conducts research and development work independently and as part of multi-disciplinary cross-functional team.
- Project Management and leadership skills with ability to collaborate with teams within US and as needed with Europe both internally and externally (University/Independent Labs)
- Ability to identify technologies of value and communicate effectively to peers and upper management the pros and cons.
- Prepares reports and communicates results and interpretation in a timely and effective manner.
- Seeks out opportunities to contribute to the business success through proactive involvement in team initiatives
What will you need?
- Requires a minimum of Ph.D. in Polymer Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry or equivalent, with at least 7-10+ years of related experience. Candidates with prior industry experience would be preferred. Extensive hands-on experience in rheological characterization of polymer melts and networks would be strongly preferred.
- Knowledge in extrusion technology/manufacturing and/or pipe development is a plus.
- Experience in Stage Gate Process/Technology Gates is a plus
- Candidates with the right expertise but less work experience would be considered
What will you get?
- Best-in-class health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- 160 hours paid time off (combination of PTO and Employee Safe and Sick Time accruals- MN Based Employees)
- For more information: https://www.uponorcareers.com/en-us/employee-benefits
Disclaimers
Applicable to US job postings only (not Canada): The expected compensation range for this position is $123,106-$184,659/year. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. Internal equity among current employees will also be considered. Please note that this range represents the full base salary wage for the role and hiring at or near the top of the range is uncommon to ensure room for future pay advancement.
Uponor is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #LI-JD1
“Uponor is the Official Plumbing, Infrastructure and Building Solutions Partner of the Minnesota Twins”
Please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button.
The key function for the Senior Research Scientist is planning and conducting research in the area of polymer pipe development. Another critical function is the ability to independently manage projects as part of multi-disciplinary cross-functional teams. In addition, the Scientist is expected to be a source of technical inspiration, and consultation to professional co-workers in pipe development and manufacturing. Having a strong polymer background is a must to be successful in this role.
This role is considered an on-site position at our North American manufacturing headquarters in Apple Valley, MN.
What will you be doing?
- Plans, conducts research and development work independently and as part of multi-disciplinary cross-functional team.
- Project Management and leadership skills with ability to collaborate with teams within US and as needed with Europe both internally and externally (University/Independent Labs)
- Ability to identify technologies of value and communicate effectively to peers and upper management the pros and cons.
- Prepares reports and communicates results and interpretation in a timely and effective manner.
- Seeks out opportunities to contribute to the business success through proactive involvement in team initiatives
What will you need?
- Requires a minimum of Ph.D. in Polymer Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry or equivalent, with at least 7-10+ years of related experience. Candidates with prior industry experience would be preferred. Extensive hands-on experience in rheological characterization of polymer melts and networks would be strongly preferred.
- Knowledge in extrusion technology/manufacturing and/or pipe development is a plus.
- Experience in Stage Gate Process/Technology Gates is a plus
- Candidates with the right expertise but less work experience would be considered
What will you get?
- Best-in-class health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- 160 hours paid time off (combination of PTO and Employee Safe and Sick Time accruals- MN Based Employees)
- For more information: https://www.uponorcareers.com/en-us/employee-benefits
Disclaimers
Applicable to US job postings only (not Canada): The expected compensation range for this position is $123,106-$184,659/year. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. Internal equity among current employees will also be considered. Please note that this range represents the full base salary wage for the role and hiring at or near the top of the range is uncommon to ensure room for future pay advancement.
Uponor is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #LI-JD1
“Uponor is the Official Plumbing, Infrastructure and Building Solutions Partner of the Minnesota Twins”
Please submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button.
See All 17 Research Scientist Jobs in Minnesota
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Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Minnesota.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or materials science
- Demonstrated experience designing and executing independent laboratory research projects
- Proficiency with data analysis tools and statistical software relevant to the specialty
- Record of peer-reviewed publication or technical report authorship in the field
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering and regulatory affairs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to technical audiences
Research Scientist Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Minnesota?
Most research scientist positions in Minnesota require at minimum a master's degree, with a PhD strongly preferred for independent research roles at employers such as Mayo Clinic, 3M, or the University of Minnesota. The state does not issue a general research scientist license, so the path runs through advanced academic training, postdoctoral work or industry fellowship programs, and a portfolio of published or applied research demonstrating independent scientific contribution.
Which companies hire research scientists in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring research scientists in Minnesota include General Mills, University of Minnesota, and Mayo Clinic, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Minnesota's concentration of medical device manufacturers, Fortune 500 life-sciences firms, and a flagship research university keeps employer demand broad and relatively stable year-round.
Which Minnesota cities have the most research scientist jobs?
Minneapolis, Eagan, and Rochester account for the largest share of research scientist openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities dominate because of the dense cluster of corporate R&D headquarters, biotech firms, and university research centers there, while Rochester's openings are driven almost entirely by Mayo Clinic's extensive research enterprise.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. About 43% of research scientist openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work depends on laboratory access and on-site instrumentation. Computational biology, bioinformatics, and data-heavy modeling roles are the sub-specialties most likely to offer a remote or hybrid arrangement.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral appointment or a structured industry fellowship, both of which are widely offered by Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and 3M for candidates finishing graduate training. Lateral moves from roles such as research associate, laboratory technician, or quality control analyst at Minnesota medical device or pharmaceutical companies are another common door. Building a publication record or a project portfolio during graduate school gives candidates a meaningful edge in screening.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly through each listing.
See All 17 Research Scientist Jobs in Minnesota
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