Laboratory Education Support Associate

Principal responsibility is to assist with laboratory education support services for all science-based disciplines at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) in a fashion that is consistent with the environment of respect, inclusiveness, collaboration, and professionalism that makes up the core of the UMR mission. Laboratory classes may include chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, biology, and physics. Emphasis is given to supporting laboratory services located within One Discovery Square; a portion of the UMR Campus, while also working with the Laboratory Services team to support laboratory activities across the campus. Responsibilities include managing laboratory space to meet the needs of UMR's academic and teaching/learning research priorities, including daily coordination and preparation of academic instructional lab space; managing laboratory stock and disposal; and maintaining compliance with all applicable safety and security regulations.

This position works in-person at the University of Minnesota Rochester campus in Rochester, MN. This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Duties and Responsibilities

60% Laboratory organization, set-up, cleanup, and compliance with regulatory requirements

• On a regular basis, manage laboratory prep rooms and maintain adequate inventory of consumable and non-consumable stock to meet the needs of the academic and teaching/learning research missions of UMR. This includes moving materials from storage area, prep area or other labs into the laboratory being set up; arrangement of materials; oversight of others (e.g., student employees) assisting in lab set-up; and efficient and safe use and disposal of chemicals or other materials.
• Clean laboratory spaces pre and post instruction, teaching/learning research, or other use; including maintaining all aspects of laboratory facilities and associated laboratory and safety equipment. Laboratory cleanup includes moving materials out of the laboratory; proper collection, storage or disposal of leftover reagents, media; cleanup of equipment, glassware, benches; proper disposal of hazardous wastes according to University Waste Program guidelines; and general oversight of anyone assisting in cleanup.
• Arrange laboratory materials both for use during and storage between semesters in which the assigned course is offered; organization should be planned such that others can reasonably find the materials in absence of the employee.
• Responsibilities may be extended to include inventory and equipment in teaching/learning laboratories while ensuring adequate functionality of laboratory equipment. May provide maintenance care and/or arrange for preventative maintenance, repair and/or calibration of equipment associated with laboratory instruction.
• Maintain documentation, keeping notes for lab set up and accurate records of inventory and other documentation.
• Supervise and instruct student workers as to the proper procedures to maintain safety and compliance.
• Prepare, draft, review, and/or write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory experiments and activities to ensure accuracy. This may require performing the experiments.

20% Ordering and preparation of media, reagents, both living and prepared specimens, and other materials for classes

• Procure or assist in the procuring of consumable and non-consumable goods and equipment for laboratory instruction and teaching/learning research needs at the most cost effective price.
• Determine which media, reagents, specimens, and other materials are needed for each lab period through reading of laboratory manuals and consultation with faculty and teaching assistants in the course.
• Perform accurate calculations and manipulations to assure correct preparation of the media and reagents, making the media and reagents themselves if appropriate or necessary, assuring adequate supply of media and reagents during the laboratory.

20% Assist teaching assistants, faculty, and students in the laboratory courses

• Assist faculty instructors in the coordination and management of experiments as necessary or requested.
• Attend lab meetings and/or maintain contact with faculty members to be able to handle any last-minute changes from the faculty and to instruct others in any new protocols/procedures not familiar to them.
• Direct and monitor the work performed by student lab support staff; supervision of student lab support staff may be regularly occurring and/or infrequent in nature and usually required less than 50% of the work week.
• Monitor the labs in order to become aware of issues that may arise and provide timely resolutions.
• Prepare equipment and laboratory supplies for lecture and laboratory classes and experiments, including mixing and maintaining adequate supplies of chemicals and solutions in predetermined quantities specific to the academic instruction.

Work Location and Hours
This is a full-time, 9-month position which requires working on campus 40 hours per week. Work hours will be Monday through Friday. Regular work hours will depend upon class schedules for the semester, not to exceed eight (8) hours per day during the hours of 10:00am - 8:00pm. Occasional work schedule flexibility is required during peak times and in the event of team member absences.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS and at least 2 years of related experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS with a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology.
• The candidate can demonstrate proven laboratory techniques and has a working knowledge of proper techniques related to chemical handling, storage, and hazardous waste disposal.
• General knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Proven efficacy in working with a team of diverse backgrounds, age, education, and socioeconomic status.
• The candidate can demonstrate a strong commitment to the University of Minnesota Rochester's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity.

Our Vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century. In this vibrant context, students are at the center of all we do - including faculty research focused on the efficacy of educational innovation. By offering a distinctive health sciences education, UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including patient care; resilience, wellbeing and mental health; health care research and discovery; global health and public policy; emerging health technologies; and the business and leadership of healthcare. In its second decade of serving students, the campus community currently serves more than 900 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester. Through creative partnerships, this campus continues to grow in size and influence.

Pay Range: $45,000 - $55,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

Active review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted online and may be accessed at https://r.umn.edu/about-umr/employment-opportunities. Applicants must attach a resume or curriculum vitae to the online application and may also be requested to submit: (1) a cover letter, and (2) a statement of applicant's commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion. For more information, e-mail umrhr@r.umn.edu.

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 Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

The University of Minnesota is 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, 2022-24).